Annual Field School Health Screenings

Dear Families and Guardians,

Annual screenings for students per Massachusetts state requirements will begin the week of February 13th. Screenings include vision and postural and heights and weights.

School health screenings are not diagnostic, rather they help to identify concerns that may require further assessment by a physician. Each child is screened once, with a second screening occurring several weeks later for those children who do not pass the initial screen. I will only notify parents of children who have failed the second screen, so if you do not hear from me, that means your child has passed the screening. Further information will be provided to parents whose children require additional screening by a physician.

Vision Screens:

Vision screening for students in 4th and 5th grade consists of a test of visual acuity. During the visual acuity test, children will be asked to identify letters on a vision chart at a distance of 10 feet. Eyes are tested together initially and separately using an occlusive patch.

Growth Development Screens (Height and Weight):

Heights and weights will be taken on 4th grade students. If you do not want your student to participate in BMI screening, please complete the form linked here and return the completed form to the nurse’s office.

Postural Screens:

Postural screening begins in 5th grade and continues annually through 8th grade as a tool to detect early signs of spinal problems. The majority of spinal issues can be treated easily when identified early. Students are screened individually, and parents will be notified of any unusual findings.

EXEMPTIONS: If you would request your child be exempted from any or all of the above screenings, please submit an email to my attention stating which screenings you would like your child exempted from by Friday, February 10th. BMI exemptions require a separate form, linked above. If you would like your child exempted from BMI screenings, please also complete the BMI exemption form in addition to an email exemption request.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping all children safe and healthy at school.

Warmest Regards,

Jamy Gaynor, RN

781-786-5507

gaynorj@weston.org