Required Exams and Screenings
Required Exams and Screenings
Physical Exams
Pennsylvania School Health Law requires a physical examination upon entrance to school (kindergarten or first grade) and in grades six and eleven. Examinations done by a family physician within one year before the opening of the school term are acceptable by state regulations.
Parents/ guardians are encouraged to take their children to their family physician for these examinations to provide continuity of care. The family physician is familiar with your child and thus is better able to detect any physical changes, begin treatment if indicated, and to follow through with needed care and immunization boosters. The Physical Exam forms can be found to the right.
Parents/ guardians may request that the School District physician provide the mandated physical exam. The exam completed by the school physician is an abbreviated one and is provided at no cost to parents/ guardians. The school exam requires written permission and is followed by parent/guardian notification of abnormal findings and/or need for further immunizations.
Please keep the nurse in your child's building informed of any corrections, treatments or immunization boosters that your child has received so that your child's health record is current. Up-to-date information is essential in emergency situations.
Dental Exams
A Dental exam is required upon entrance to school (Kindergarten or grade 1), third and seventh grades. Parents/guardians are urged to have these examinations performed by the family dentist because they have the facilities in their offices to provide thorough examinations and are in the best position to recommend immediate steps for any needed care. The Dental Exam form can be found to the right.
Parents/ guardians may request that the school dentist examine their child. There is no charge for the dental exam.
Health Screenings
Pennsylvania State Law mandates specific screenings for students in certain grades each school year. These screenings are completed by the nurses throughout the school year. Mandated health screenings are listed below:
Hearing Screenings: Screening occurs in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7 and 11 and may be done yearly for students with special needs.
Vision Screening: Annually in all grades.
Growth Screening: Height and weight are recorded annually for each student.
Scoliosis Screening: This mandated screening for spinal curvature is done in grades six and seven. Those who have completed a sixth grade physical exam with a scoliosis screening documented by their private physician are excused from the screening.
Parents/ guardians will be contacted if their child does not pass the health screenings and will be referred to the appropriate health care provider.