Screenings

Health Screenings
A core service of our school health program is the ongoing screening for specific problems that, when identified early, can prevent significant health and academic issues.  The earlier these health conditions are diagnosed and treated, the more favorable the outlook for treatment and improvement of the child's general well being. The health screenings that are routinely conducted in our program include height/weight, dental, vision and scoliosis screenings.

Height & Weight
Many factors, including genetics, can affect a child's size. For more information on normal growth, growth charts and BMI (Body Mass Index) you can log onto:

www. kids growth.com
or
www.medcalc.com/growth 

Dental
Poor dental health can cause pain and affect a student's overall health and their ability to concentrate in the classroom. The school dental screening can detect more obvious signs of dental problems, such as red and swollen gums, large cavities, broken teeth, or infections. The purpose of the screening is to detect problems, and is not a substitute for regular dental care.

Vision
The purpose of the school vision screening program is to identify students with visual impairments. Early detection of vision problems will provide a child more opportunity for educational success. A more thorough exam by an eye doctor every 2 years is appropriate for most children.

Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that occurs in the cervical, thoracic and/or lumbar spine. Scoliosis occurs during rapid growth spurts during the pre-adolescent and adolescent periods. The purpose of school screening is to detect scoliosis at an early stage when it can be monitored and early treatment programs will be effective in halting progression of the deformity.

As part of the Boise School District health program, vision, dental and health/weight screening are conducted in Kindergarten, Second and Fifth grades. Scoliosis screening is conducted on Fifth and Seventh grade girls and Eighth grade boys. Referral forms are sent home with any student who may need further evaluation.  For further information, or if you would like to request a health screening at anytime, please contact your child's school nurse.