Health Screenings

Massachusetts School Health law (M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 57 and 105 CMR 200.000) requires schools to provide regular health screenings for students. Follow-up is made to families of students who do not pass a screening and referrals are made to primary health care providers as necessary. 

Physical exams are required on entry to school and in Grades K, 1, 4, 7, and 10. Please feel free to send in a copy of your student's updated physical at any time.

For details on screenings, see below:

• • Vision Screening: Vision screening is conducted yearly in grades K through 5 and in grades 7 and 10. Parents will be notified of any problems that necessitate a medical follow-up. Additionally, we screen all preschool children for vision each year.

  • Hearing Screening: Hearing screening is conducted yearly in grades K through 3 and in grades 7 and 10. Parents will be notified of any problems that necessitate a medical follow-up. Hearing screening is also offered to preschool students.

  • Postural Screening: The state of Massachusetts mandates that all students in grades 5 through 9 be screened for scoliosis. Your child's posture will be screened beginning in the fifth grade. Physician referrals will be made as needed.

  • Growth Screening: Heights and weights are measured and body mass index (BMI) is calculated on children in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10. Parents/guardians may waive this screening by submitting a written request to the school nurse.

  • Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT): This substance abuse screening takes place in 7th and 9th grades.

You may request a screening at any time if you are concerned your child has a problem with vision, hearing, posture, or growth. Parents/caregivers may waive screening by submitting a written request to the school nurse.

Notification of planned screenings will be sent home approximately two weeks before.