Scoliosis Screening

Scoliosis is a lateral and rotary curvature of the spine and is most commonly found during the adolescent growth period.  Students in grades 6 or 7 will be screened for scoliosis.

Growth Development: Height, Weight, and BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculations

In accordance with Pennsylvania School Health Law, school nurses weigh and measure the height of each student, K-12, on a yearly basis.

School nurses are also required to calculate the students BMI and report the finding to the parent/guardian. The BMI is an assessment tool which is a valuable guide to help determine both underweight, overweight, or at risk for overweight. The BMI is not diagnostic, but is to be used to help parents and health care providers to identify children who may be at risk for developing other conditions that can result from being overweight or underweight.

Vision Screening

Vision screening for acuity is conducted annually on all students.  The Titmus Optical Machine is used for this screening.  A Snellen Chart may be used if deemed necessary by the school nurse.

Children in grades K through 12 are tested for far and near vision.  Color vision is tested upon original entry or grade 1.

The State of Pennsylvania mandates hyperopia screening (plus lens) for students in grade 1 and new students not previously screened.  Binocular vision testing has been routinely done on new students and grades 1 and 2.  For students in special education classes, testing materials or devices appropriate for the cognitive level of the student should be used as determined by the discretion of the school nurse.

Referrals will be sent home for all vision failures.  Children who fail the vision test must be referred to an eye specialist for a diagnostic examination.  The referral form should be submitted in a timely manner to the school nurse.  A letter indicating that the student has passed the vision screening will be sent home as mandated.

Hearing Screening

Each student in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, 11 and special education classes is to be given a hearing sweep-check every year.  Students with a history of hearing problems (URI or ENT pathology), or behavior and/or speech patterns which indicate there could be a hearing problem, are also to be tested yearly.  The school nurse will not test students wearing hearing aids.