Screenings

The following school screenings are mandated by Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. c.71, s.57 and 105 CMR 200.000) and are conducted according to the following schedule:

• Vision screening: each year for students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10
• Hearing screening: each year for students in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 10
• Heights and weights are measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated for students in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10.  Aggregate data is reported to the state as mandated.  Individual student data is not reported but is recorded in the confidential student health record.
• Postural screenings:  each year for all students in grades 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9
• SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) verbal drug use screening: each year for students in grades 7 and 10

Per MA 105 CMR 200.000, the purpose of mandated screenings is to “identify and take appropriate actions with respect to disabilities and medical conditions of school children in public schools as soon as possible so as to enable all children to obtain the fullest benefit of their educational opportunities and to identify and take appropriate action with respect to contagious or communicable diseases amoung student.”  Screenings are a tool used for referral for further care and should not be considered diagnostic.  Letters will be mailed home if follow-up for vision, hearing, or postural screening is recommended.  BMI data is available by parent request to the nurse.

Hearing and vision screenings are conducted in the health office by school nurses and trained personnel.

Postural screenings, height, weight and BMI screenings are done by the Physical Education teachers, usually during the first 2 weeks of PE class.  If the PE teacher has concerns about a particular student, the student will be rescreened by the school nurse.

SBIRT screenings are conducted by trained staff, including school nurses, school adjustment counselors, guidance counselors and school psychologists. 

In order for a student to be excused from any screening(s), the parent/guardian must make a request in writing to the school nurse annually.  For postural screening exclusion requests, documentation of screening within the past year by a medical professional must also be provided.