BMI Screening will begin in the fall of 2011.   This is mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health based on the M.G.L. Chapter 71 Section 57 and 105 CMR 200.500 in Massachusetts.  Based on the guidelines given to us by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health it is now required that the nurses calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) and corresponding percentile of each student in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10.  Every effort shall be made to protect the privacy of the student during the screening process and in the communication of information about the students BMI to the parent or legal guardian.

How will BMI screening work?

·      BMI is a measure that is used to show a person’s “weight for height for age”.  It is calculated using an individual’s height and weight.  It can be a useful tool in identifying possible health risks.

·      BMI screenings are mandated by Massachusetts Laws and will be collected for students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10.

·      Parent and guardians have the right to waive their child’s BMI screening by submitting a written request to their child’s school nurse. Please note your child is still required to have an annual height and weight measurement done.

·      Each student will be weighed and measured in private with no other students present.

·      BMI screening results are part of your child’s health record and will be kept strictly confidential.

·      Parents that have any questions about their specific child’s results should speak with their child’s school nurse or their child’s pediatrician.

·      Results of the screenings will be mailed to the parent/guardian of children who are screened. This will be mailed to the home address on file. 

1. Head checks will be done in grades Pre-K -5, during Sept and Jan, and Grades 6-8 in Sept only.  If a child has a problem with head lice at home please be sure to notify the school nurse. This information is kept confidential.
2. Vision and Hearing Testing will be done in all grades. If your child fails either of these tests, you will receive a notice and a doctor’s form. Please return the doctor’s form when your child has been examined.
3. Physical Exams must be completed within one year prior to entrance into school or within 30 days after school entry. Thereafter, students must have a physical exam in grades Pre K, K, 3, 6 and 9.
   1. Transfer students must have had a physical within the year of transfer.
   2. School physicals will be scheduled two times a year, fall and spring.
4. In the spring, a notice will be sent home asking if you prefer a school physical or a physical done by your own doctor. Please sign and return form to school.
5. Immunization Clinics will be scheduled as needed during the school year.
6. February: Dental Exams are performed in the elementary schools. If your child has not returned the dental exam form stating that they have been seen by their dentist they will be seen by the school dentist in February. This is a non-invasive brief screening done by a dentist. This does not replace routine cleaning or screenings by your own dentist. If your child receives a note from the nurse after the screening– please see your own dentist for a follow up and return the form to the school nurse.
7. March: Scoliosis Screening – Grades 5 –9. The nurse and/or physical education teacher will view your child’s back for any curvature of the spine. Parents will be notified if their child should see a physician. Parents can choose to have the school doctor see the child or their own doctor. If you choose to have your own physician see the child, please return the completed doctor’s form to the nurse.
8. Body Mass Index Screening (BMI) will begin in the 2010-2011 school year. This is now mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). It requires that all schools collect height and weight measurements of students in Grades 1, 4, 7, and 10. The results of the BMI Screening will be kept confidential in each student’s school health record and will be mailed or directly communicated in writing to the parents or guardians; not sent home with the student.

     Hello, this is a message from your child's school nurse. In an effort to improve parent and school communication, please follow these guidelines when calling the school regarding your child's absence.

Please call your childs school with the following information.

One, please state the reason for the absence. Illness with specific symptoms, dentist appointment, etcetera.
Two, does your child have a fever and how high?
Three, do you plan on contacting a doctor?

Once again, please remember to call the school if your child is going to be out for any reason. If you have any questions or concerns please be sure to contact your childs school nurse. Thank you.