Screenings

All school health screenings are required by Massachusetts General Law (c.71, s.57) and are designed to identify previously unrecognized conditions in order to provide early intervention and limit any potential negative impact on school performance. Please note: these screenings are not diagnostic and are used to identify students who may need further attention by a primary care provider or a specialist. Parents/guardians may provide a written request that their student not participate in a specific screening, and these opt-out requests should be submitted annually.

Postural

Grades 6, 7, and 8

The postural screening is a procedure performed by the school nurse to help determine the risk for a curvature of the spine. A current physical submitted with documentation of a scoliosis screen will satisfy this screening.

Vision

Grade 7

A vision screening is used by the school nurse to determine if an individual might have a vision problem. The vision screening utilizes a chart with letters at a specific distance away from the student which tests vision accuracy. A current physical submitted with documentation of a vision screen will satisfy this screening.

Hearing

Grade 7

A hearing screening is used by the school nurse to determine if an individual might have a hearing problem. It is usually a small tabletop machine with headphones for the student to wear to test for hearing accuracy. A current physical submitted with documentation of a hearing screen will satisfy this screening.

SBIRT

Grades 7

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment is a public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment for adolescents at risk for developing substance use disorders. As with any school health screening, you can opt your child out of this process. Students themselves may also choose not to take part in this screening.

BMI

Grade 7

BMI screening is a tool used to identify individuals who might be at risk for being underweight, overweight, or obese. It is an index of weight and heigh. A current physical submitted with documentation of height and weight will satisfy this screening.