Mandated Screening Notification
This is notification that your student will be having their mandated screenings on November 27-November 30, 2023.
GRADE 6, GRADE 7, GRADE 8:
Postural screenings on all Middle School Students from November 27-30th. The screenings are being done in collaboration with the wellness staff and will take place during their Physical Education class. The screenings are done privately for each student.
The purpose of the postural screening is to find early signs of possible spinal problems. It is not a diagnostic service, but a program to identify young people who should have further medical evaluation. If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified and asked to take your child to their Pediatrician as a precaution. The majority of students exhibit no findings. If nothing unusual is found, we will not be contacting you.
Girls are asked to bring a two-piece swimsuit, sports bra for halter top and shorts to their PE classes as this type of clothing permits more accurate observation of the back. The students will be given at least two weeks notice during their PE classes for which date they will have their screening so they can be prepared.
If your student brings in a physical with their postural screen documented, dated within 12 months of their screening date they do not need the screening.
We strongly encourage students to bring in their physical!!!
GRADE 7 ONLY:
The Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening Program will be happening from November 27-30th during your student’s PE class. The school nurse will supervise your child’s screening and will make sure your child’s privacy is respected at all times. The screenings will take place during their PE class. The results of your child’s height, weight, and BMI measurements are strictly confidential – the results will be kept in your child’s school health record and given to you directly by mail by request only.
A Body Mass Index, or 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. Just like a blood pressure reading or an eye screening test, a BMI can be a useful tool in identifying possible health risks.
Massachusetts schools have taken heights and weights of students each year since the 1950’s. According to the state’s new BMI screening regulation which passed in April 2009, schools must now collect the heights and weights of students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10. Each child’s height and weight will then be used to calculate their BMI.
A BMI does not tell the whole story about your child’s health status. BMI does not distinguish between fat and muscle. For example, if a child is very athletic and has a lot of muscle, his or her BMI may be high even though he or she is not overweight.
If you do not wish your child to participate in the school’s BMI screening, please fill out this BMI OPT OUT FORM and submit your child’s BMI results that were obtained by their pediatrician within the last year. Please send physicals to msnurse@hopkinton.k12.ma.us or send in with your student.
Additional information about children’s wellness and fitness is available upon request or you may access the state’s resources at www.mass.gov/massinmotion/
