Physical Exams/Health Screenings

Pennsylvania requires a complete physical examination upon entrance into school (kindergarten or first grade), and in grades six and eleven. Students new to Pennsylvania schools must have a physical exam if the student's record does not meet Pennsylvania requirements.

Parents are urged to take their children to their own physician fior examinations to provide contiunuity of care. Your family physician is familiar with your child and is better able to detect any physical change, to follow through with needed care, and immunization boosters. To print out a physical examination form, click here.

If desired, the school doctor can perform the needed physical examination. This exam is free. Parents should notify the school nurse if they would like to have an exam scheduled for their child.

Vision - All grades each year

Dental - Dental exams are required in grades K, 1, 3, and 7. Students with no dental records will be screened at school, and parents will be notified of the results. Private dental exams may be done by a family dentist up to one year before entry into the specified grade. To print out a dental form, click here.

Hearing - Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 11

Scoliosis - Grade 6 and 7

Height and Weight/Body Mass Index - all grades each year.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a scfreening tool used to assess underweight, overweight and the risk of overweight. BMI is calculated from body weight adjusgted for height, age and gender. BMI in children is age and gender specific because body mass changes as children grow, and boys and girls differ in BMI as they mature. According to the new state guidelines, the purpose of the BMI is to:

• Monitor growth and development patterns of students.
• Identify students who may be at nutritional risk or who may have a common nutritional problem.
• Notify parents/guardians of screening results with a recommendation to share findings with the student's health care provider for further evaluation and intervention, if necessary.