The annual vision, hearing and growth screening program will be happening within the next few months at Pine Glen School in grades 1-5. In addition to measuring height and weight the Burlington School Nurses will be using a standard screening tool called "body mass index" (BMI).
Last spring, public health regulators unanimously approved the screening of body mass index (BMI) in school children. Body mass index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both men and women. At the elementary level, the regulations call for all first and fourth graders to be screened each year. Parents can opt to have their children not participate in this screening by submitting a written request to the school nurse.
These measurements can help to identify children who may be at risk for specific health problems in grades 1 and 4. Your child's screening will be supervised by the school nurse and physical education staff. Student privacy will be respected at all times. The results of your child's height, weight and BMI measurements are strictly confidential and will be documented on your child's school health record. We are very interested in making sure that children are healthy and ready to learn. We are undertaking this state requirement with care and strict regards for privacy. Please feel free to call your child's school nurse with any questions you have.
For more information please click on the link below.
BMI screening will begin this fall in Mass. schools - White Coat Notes - Boston.com
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