School Health Mandates and Screenings
School Health Screenings
The Pennsylvania Department of School Health mandates that certain health screenings be done on each student depending on his/her grade level. All students, grade K-12 will receive an annual vision, height and weight assessment. Students in grade K-3, 7, and 11 will have their hearing tested. Students in grade 6 and 7 will be screened for scoliosis. These health screenings will be completed as early in the school year as possible so that the appropriate referrals may be made.
As part of the yearly school health growth screening program, a Body Mass Index (BMI) for Age percentile will be calculated. This mandatory BMI screening will be completed for all students in K-12th grades, and the results will be sent home to each parent. The BMI percentile should be used as a guideline to help assess whether a person may be overweight or underweight. However, the BMI is not a diagnostic tool. For example, a child may have a high BMI for age and gender, but to determine if excess fat is a problem, a health care provider would need to perform further assessments. These assessments might include skinfold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet, physical activity, family history, and other appropriate health screenings.
In addition to the health screenings mentioned above, physical and dental exams are required to be completed during specifically designated school years. A physical examination is required upon original entry into school, grade 6 and grade 11. A dental examination is required upon original entry into school, grade 3 and grade 7. Private reports of physical and dental exams completed within one year prior to a student’s entry into the grade where an exam is required will be accepted.
If you have any questions, please call Kathy Bagian, Health Services Coordinator at 432-8691, extension 2012.
School Health Mandates
All Grade Levels
- All medications to be given in school must be in the original prescription bottle or over-the-counter package and have a prescription from the doctor ordering it to be given in school. (refer to the Medication policy)
- All Students are required to have Immunizations in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations. New regulations will go into effect in August 2017. Please refer to Immunizations on the Health Services site or 28 Pa.CODE CH.23 (School Immunization).
- Any medical forms can be found on the web site and printed at your convenience. Should you not have access to a printer please call the school nurse and the form will be sent home with your child.
Elementary Level
We would like to remind all parents of a few of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Education requirements:
- All Kindergarten Students must have complete Physical and Dental examinations and proof of having received the required immunizations. If you have any questions please contact the school nurse. If your child has not had the required immunizations he/she may not begin school.
- All Third Grade Students are required to have a dental examination.
- All students in grades K-5 will have their height, weight and Body Mass Index measured. A vision screening will also be completed on all students.
- Hearing Screenings are conducted on students in grades K-3.
Middle School
- All pupils, in Grade 6-8, will receive an annual vision, height and weight assessment
- All pupils will have their Body Mass Index (BMI) for Age percentile calculated and the results sent home to each Parent/Guardian
- All pupils in Grade 6 are required to submit a Physical Exam, it is suggested that 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) and 1 dose of tetanus, diptheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) be given at this physical because it is a Pennsylvania School Immunization required for 7th Grade
- All pupils in Grade 7 will have a hearing screening
- All pupils in Grades 6 and 7 will have a scoliosis screening if not documented as having been done by their private practitioner
- All pupils in Grade 7 are required to submit a Dental Exam
High School
- All pupils in Grades 9-12, will receive an annual vision, height and weight assessment
- All pupils will have their Body Mass Index (BMI) for Age percentile calculated and the results sent home to each Parent/Guardian
- All pupils in Grade 11 will have their hearing tested.
- A Physical Exam is required in Grade 11. It is suggested that a dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) be given at this physical as it is a Pennsylvania School Immunization required for 12th Grade.
- Home Schooled Students – Parents shall contact the Supervisor of Special Services in writing to request health screening services. Students receiving the services shall be counted in the annual census.
We look forward to working with you and your child/children this year. Please do not hesitate to call your child's school nurse during the school day to discuss any health related information or concerns.