Screenings & Physicals
Mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to support every student's health and learning success
Screening & Physical Schedule at a Glance
Required Physicals
Grades K, 4, 7 & 9
Height & Weight (BMI)
Grades 1, 4, 7 & 9
Vision Screening
Grades K–7, 9 & 11 — referrals as needed
Hearing Screening
Grades K–7, 9 & 11 — referrals as needed
Postural Screening
Grades 5–9
Lead Screenings
Preschool / Kindergarten entry
To opt out of screenings, call your school nurse directly.
Why Screenings Are Required
Screenings of students and the furnishing of a current physical to the school nurse are mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). Screenings help to identify medical conditions and allow the collaboration of appropriate interventions to assist and enable children to meet their fullest educational potential. They also permit the appropriate course of action in the event of communicable or contagious diseases among students.
In accordance with MDPH, school screenings are intended to supplement, not replace, a thorough examination performed by a physician. Physicals are presented to the school nurse within one year prior to entrance to school or within 30 days after school entry. All screenings are written in the student handbook and families are notified via this publication.
Screening Details
Height & Weight Screenings
MDPH dictates that height and weight shall be measured for each student in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10. Screenings are performed by trained school nurses or others approved by the Department for this purpose.
Every effort will be implemented to protect the privacy of the student during the screening, and the student's health information and results will not be disclosed to ensure confidentiality. Parents and legal guardians shall be provided with an opportunity to request, in writing, that their child's measurements not be taken.
Vision Screening Protocols
All students entering kindergarten, or within 30 days of the start of the school year, must provide proof of a vision screening performed by a health care professional within the previous 12 months that was passed.
Screenings are done annually in grades K–7, 9 and 11. If a student fails a vision screening, they will be referred to a local eye doctor. If a student currently wears glasses, they must wear them for the screening. Vision problems may cause a student to struggle to see the board or read, which is detrimental to their learning success.
Hearing Screening
MDPH requires that the hearing of every child be screened annually in grades K–7, 9 and 11. If a student fails the screening, a referral will be made. Hearing is also a key factor in the success of student learning.
Postural Screening
MDPH requires postural screening for all students in grades 5–9. Students are screened for scoliosis — the curvature of the spine. The cause is unknown but often becomes apparent during adolescence, which is why screenings are performed in this age range. Scoliosis may be corrected and treated if discovered early.
If your child has a positive screening, it is recommended to seek an evaluation by your health care provider to determine if treatment is necessary. These findings do NOT represent a diagnosis and are encouraged to be investigated further. The parent or guardian will be notified by letter if the child needs further evaluation. Parents may opt out of this screening by calling the school nurse.
Lead Screening
MDPH requires universal, periodic blood lead screening for preschool children — once between the ages of 9 months and 12 months, and again at ages 2 and 3. The health care provider must also determine whether a child is at high risk for lead poisoning and, if so, schedule an additional screening at age 4.
Lead poisoning screening is a requirement for entry into kindergarten and the result must be produced upon entry.
Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT)
SBIRT is a confidential screening for the use of alcohol, marijuana, and other substances. The goal is to let students know that school nurses are available to reinforce healthy decisions and to assist them in obtaining support if needed for substance use.
All 7th and 9th grade students will be screened using the CRAFFT-II tool. Information and opt-out notices will be sent home prior to screening. Students can also opt out on the day of screening.
Medication Administration Policy
- Both prescription and nonprescription medications taken during school hours must be delivered to school by the parent in the original container.
- Written permission from the parent/guardian to the nurse is required for any student taking medication throughout the day.
- All prescription medications — such as insulin, inhalers, or Ritalin — require a physician's authorization.
- Parents should request duplicate bottles from pharmacies — one bottle for home use and one for school.
- Medications brought in a plastic bag will not be administered.
- Parents must retrieve medication by the last day of school or the medications will be destroyed.
Opting Out of Screenings
To opt out of any school health screening, contact your school nurse directly by phone. For the postural (scoliosis) screening specifically, opt-out requests must be submitted before the screening date.