Health Office 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. Also required is a referral to your child's primary health care provider as necessary. As school nurses, we work to support your child's overall health and well-being, as countless research studies support the connection between good health and learning outcomes. We are here to help you and your child understand health-related growth and development.
Children who cannot see, hear, or are growing improperly may be having difficulty learning. We recommend having your child seen by a physician if they fail a screening.
Vision Screening: Vision screening is conducted yearly in grades K through 5. 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. Parents will be notified of any problems that necessitate a medical follow-up.
Postural Screening: The state of Massachusetts mandates that all students in grades 5 and 6 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 and 4.
All medical information is kept strictly confidential. Parents/guardians may waive screenings by submitting a written request to the school nurse.