Health Screenings
The state of Massachusetts requires that each student participate in annual health screenings. The current requirements are as follows:
Required physicals, to be completed by the student's physician:
- Preschool/Kindergarten, and Grades 4, 7 and 11
Required School Health Screenings:
- Vision: Grades PK-5, 7 & 9
- Hearing: Grades K-3, 7 & 9
- Postural screening in Grades 5 - 9
- Annual height and weight (Body Mass Index) in Grades 1, 4, 7, & 10
- SBIRT: Grades 7 & 9
For more information on health screenings, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/lists/school-health-screening
To opt out of health screenings, please submit a written letter to your school nurse.
TPS Screenings that Meet
Massachusetts Department of Public Health's
Mandatory Screening Requirements
Screenings | Grades that Meet Mandates |
Hearing | K-3, 7 & 9 |
Vision | PK-5, 7 & 9 |
Heights & Weights | 1, 4, 7 & 10 |
Postural | 5-9 |
SBIRT (confidential drug & alcohol conversation survey) According to Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 71, Section 97: Annually screen two grade levels (one middle school and one high school grade level)
|
7 & 9 |
Physical Exams are recommended in grades preschool, K, 4, 7, and 10 or 11. According to 105 CMR 200.00: Physical exams are required for entering students within one year prior to entrance to school or within 30 days after school entry and at intervals of either three or four years thereafter. A student transferred from another school system shall be examined as an entering student. Health records transferred from the student's previous school may be used to determine compliance with this requirement.
Dental Screenings are not mandatory for any grade level. School nurses may do periodic dental screenings.