Health Screenings

Massachusetts state law requires that students receive the following screenings during the school year:

*Vision screening (grades K - 5)

*Hearing screening (grades K - 3)

**Height & Weight (grades 1 & 4)

***Scoliosis screening (grade 5)

****Physicals (grade 3)

*A letter will be sent home to the parents/guardians of any student who fails the vision and/or hearing screening.

** Along with height & weight, BMI (body mass index) is calculated. This is a tool used to indicate obesity & potential obesity. Childhood obesity is a growing national health problem and if identified early can change the health course of a child. According to the CDC, BMIs of <5% is underweight or overweight (>95%).

***A scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) screening assessment is performed annually to students in grade 5. The purpose of the screening program is not to diagnosis, but to identify possible deviations from the norm that require further evaluation. Students found to have deviations will be rechecked, and parents will be notified if medical evaluation or monitoring is recommended.

****The Massachusetts Department of Health also requires that all children have a physical examination every 3 years. All 3rd grade students need to have a physical examination and a copy of this exam in their school medical records. Please send in a copy to the school as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school at 508-351-7048.