Mandated Health Screenings
Mandated Health screenings are conducted by the district health services department in accordance with the MA Department of Public Health regulations. In the event that a student fails a mandated screening, the school nurse will send the parent/guardian a notification letter requesting that the parent/guardian share the results of the screening with the student’s primary care provider. Parents/guardians are asked to share results and recommendations from the primary care provider with the school nurse.
Screenings are typically conducted early in the school year or upon request. Parents/guardians are requested to make their request in writing to the nurse at their child’s school should they not want their child to participate in any or all screenings mandated by the state. However, should a parent/guardian choose to have their child not participate in the mandated screenings, the results of a current physical exam must be on file in the school health office.
Growth: Height and weight screenings are conducted in grades Pre-K, 1, 4, 7, and 10. Body Mass Index (BMI) is also calculated for each child as part of the screening process.
Vision and Hearing: Performed annually on students in grades pre-K through 5 and in grades 7 and 10.
Postural: Performed annually on students in grades 5 through 9.