The Postural Screening Program will be the week of March 2nd for students whose parents choose to have the screening.
This year, postural screening will be done for students whose parents/guardians sign them up for the program. If you would like your child to be screened for scoliosis by the school nurse, please download form and return it by 2/14/2020.
Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L. c.71, s.57) require that all public school students in grades five through nine be screened annually for the early detection of spinal problems. This is not a diagnostic service but a screening program to identify children who should have further medical evaluation.
The screening consists of observations of the student’s back when standing and bending forward and will be done by a school nurse or Physical Education, Health and Wellness teacher. Boys and girls are screened separately and privately. The results are recorded in the confidential school health record. If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified and asked to have your child seen by a health care provider.
Students are asked to remove their shirts. Girls should wear a bra or halter top to permit more accurate observation of the back. If students do not have the type of clothing that permits observation of the back or refuse screening, they will not be screened and a notice will be sent to parents/guardians that screening was not done. Follow up should be with the student’s health care provider with documentation submitted to the school nurse.
Please feel free to contact the school nurse with any questions about postural screening.
Sue Schy, RN
Bigelow Nurse
(617) 552-7746
