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Health Screenings

Postural Screening

According to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71, postural screening must be done in grades 5-9. The purpose of the postural screening is to identify early signs of spinal problems. Most scoliosis and other spinal issues can be easily treated upon early detection. Girls and boys are screened separately and privacy is respected at all times.  We ask that prior to screening, girls wear a halter top or sports bra on the day of the screening as this type of clothing facilitates better examination of the back. Any unusual findings are reported to parents/guardians. Please notify your child’s school nurse if you do not wish them to participate in this screening program or if they are already followed by a physician for a spinal problem.  Check your child’s school website for specific dates of postural screening in that building.

BMI MEASUREMENT REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulation (105 CMR 200.500), the Registered Nurses of the Pembroke Public Schools measure the height and weight of students in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10. They use these figures to calculate the students’ Body Mass Index (BMI). Previously, these results were required to be mailed home. On October 16, 2013, the Public Health Council voted to amend the regulations, eliminating the need to mail these results home. The requirement to collect height, weight and to calculate BMI measurements for students in 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th grade and report the aggregate data to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) still continues. Please contact your child’s school nurse if you have any questions or concerns regarding these screenings. The nurses will be happy to provide you with information as well as your child’s results.

Middle School Screenings

Grade 7 & 8- Postural (Scoliosis) Screenings are mandated. More information is available at this link.

Grade 7- Vision and Hearing Screenings, Height, Weight, BMI Screenings

Vision and Hearing Screenings as well as Height, Weight and BMI Screenings are mandated. If your child has developmental concerns, it is recommended that she/he receive vision and hearing screening by an experienced, specialized medical professional in lieu of the school screenings.

High School Screenings

Grade 9 Postural Screenings: Postural screenings are mandated. Click here for more information on postural screenings.

Grade 10- Vision and Hearing Screenings

Vision and Hearing Screenings as well as Height, Weight and BMI Screenings are mandated. If your child has developmental concerns, it is recommended he/she receive vision and hearing screening by an experienced, specialized medical professional in lieu of school screenings.