Healthy Children Learn Better!

Physical Exams
Massachusetts state law requires physical examinations of school children within one year prior to entrance to school or within 30 days after school entry and at intervals of 3 or 4 years thereafter. In Lynn, all kindergarten, 4th, 7th, and 10th grade students and new entrants must have a copy of an updated physical exam in their health record. Pre-sports physicals are required annually prior to a student's participation in competitive athletics.
We encourage students to see their own primary care provider and send documentation. If you need help finding a physician or obtaining health insurance, please let your school nurse know.
105 CMR 200.100

Lead
All pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students shall be screened for lead poisoning at least once prior to entering school. Parent must provide proof of screening to the school nurse.
105 CMR 460

Height and Weight Measurement
All 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th grade students will have their height and weight measured. The student's height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) will be recorded in the student's health record. If parents/guardians do not want their child's measurement taken, they should send a written request to the school nurse at the start of the school year.
105 CMR 200.500

Vision
Upon entering kindergarten or within 30 days after school entry, the parent or guardian shall present a certificate that the student has passed a vision screening within the previous 12 months. If the student has failed or has a neuro-developmental delay, evidence of a comprehensive eye exam must be provided to the school nurse.
In school vision screening will be conducted in the year of school entry and annually through grade 5, then in grade 7 and grade 10. Parents will be notified by school health personnel if follow-up of vision screening is required. If your child is referred for further evaluation, you will be given a referral form to be completed by your child's health care provider. The completed referral form must be returned to the school nurse.
105 CMR 200.400

Hearing
Hearing screening will be conducted in the year of school entry and annually through grade 3, then in grade 7, and grade 10. Parents will be notified by school health personnel if follow-up of hearing screening is required. If your child is referred for further evaluation, you will be given a referral form to be completed by your child's health care provider. The completed referral form must be returned to the school nurse.
105 CMR 200.400

Postural Screening Exams
All 5th through 9th grade students will be screened yearly by the school nurse for scoliosis. Information and opt out notices will be sent home prior to screening. If a parent/guardian opts out of postural screening by the school, they must submit written documentation of a scoliosis exam by their primary care provider to the school nurse which includes the date and results. Parents will be notified by school health personnel if follow-up of postural screening is required. If your child is referred for further evaluation, you will be given a referral form to be completed by your child's health care provider. The completed referral form must be returned to the school nurse.
General Law - Part I, Title XII, Chapter 71, Section 57

Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment
SBIRT is a confidential screening for the use of alcohol, marijuana and other substances. The goal is to let students know that we are available to reinforce healthy decisions and to assist them in obtaining support if needed for substance use. All 7th and 9th grade students will be screened using the CRAFFT-N tool. Information and opt out notices will be sent home prior to screening. Students can also opt out on the day of screening.
Mass. General Laws c.71 § 97

Dental
Screenings are not required but may be offered at your child's school through Forsythe Dental Group. Information with permission slips to participate will be sent home during the school year or you can contact the school nurse for more information.