Physical Examinations 

Physical examinations are state mandated in kindergarten, grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 and for eligibility to participate in interscholastic sports. A health certificate signed by a dulylicensed New York State physician must be provided to the Health Office for new entrants to the district or for any student entering in any of the above grades. Health appraisals need to be presented within 30 days of entry. They are valid for 12 months, through the last day of the month in which the physical was completed. It is recommended that students have their annual physical with their primary medical doctor since that person knows the student’s health and medical history the best. Physical examinations are also available at school free of charge, if necessary. Examinations are conducted by the school physician/nurse practitioner on selected days during the school year.

Screenings

The New York State Education Department requires certain screening exams at certain ages or grades of students as listed to the right. The New York State Department of Health also requires that your private health care provider reports and the school district collects information on your student’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and Weight Status Category (WSC). You may fulfill these legal obligations by having your personal physician conduct the screening exams privately and then notifying the school nurse not to do the examinations. You will then present your student’s private certificates to the school prior to screening dates. The administration may grant a religious exemption for screening exams of families with a sincerely held religious belief. Please contact the nurse for information about how to apply for a religious exemption. If you have not provided a certificate or notified the nurse of your plan to have the screenings done privately by the time the nurse conducts the school screenings, the district will follow NYS Education Department mandates and will conduct the screening as scheduled. Please communicate regularly with your school nurse to avoid confusion.

The following screening evaluations are conducted by the school nurse who will advise you of any concerns:

1. Distance visual acuity and near visual acuity for all new entrants and for students in kindergarten, grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11 and at any other time deemed appropriate.
2. Color perception for all new entrants within six months of entrance.
3. Hearing acuity for all new entrants and for those in kindergarten, grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11 and at any other time deemed essential.
4. Scoliosis screening (curvature of the spine) for girls in grades 5 and 7 and for boys in grade 9.