In accordance with M.G.L,.c. 71, s. 57, upon entering kindergarten or within thirty days after kindergarten entry, the parent or guardian of each child shall present certification that the student within the previous 12 months has passed a vision screening. For children who fail the screening and for children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental delay, evidence of a comprehensive eye examination meeting the requirements of c. 71, s. 57 shall be provided to the school. In accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Laws and Regulations 105 CMR 200.400, Leicester School Nurses will screen students in the year of school entry, and annually through grade 5. The vision screening is repeated in grade 7 and grade 9.

In accordance with M.G.L,.c. 71, s. 57, Leicester school nurses will screen students in the year of school entry and annually through grade 3. The hearing screening is repeated in grade 7 and grade 9.

Postural screening is conducted yearly for all children in Grade 5 through Grade 9. This is not a diagnostic service but does provide screening for postural problems prevalent in this age group which sometimes need medical attention. Postural screening is required by M.G.L. c. 71, sec. 57. It is the responsibility of the school to see that each child is screened and referred as appropriate unless the parent makes a written request for exemption on religious grounds, or if the parent provides documentation from the physician that the screening has already been performed.

SBIRT Screening

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) focuses on prevention, early detection, risk assessment, brief counseling and referral for assessment that can be utilized in the school setting. Use of a validated screening tool will enable school health teams to detect risk for substance use related problems and brief intervention strategies will help to address these concerns at an early stage in adolescents.

Legislation Mandating SBIRT in Schools

In March, 2016, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted an Act relative to substance use, treatment, education and prevention (STEP Act) which outlines the requirements for public schools in the Commonwealth to engage in substance use screening and education. Legislation can be found at https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2016/Chapter52 (see Sections 15, 63, 64, 66).

SBIRT Screenings will occur in the fall for students in the 7th grade. Parents/guardians will be notified in advance.

Massachusetts DPH and DESE Laws and Regulations 200.500, April 8, 2009.  Each school committee or board of health shall adopt policies and procedures to ensure that the Body Mass Index (BMI) and corresponding percentile of each student in grades 1, 4, 7, and 10 (or, in the case of ungraded classrooms, by a student's 7th, 10th, 13th and 16th birthday) is calculated and reported directly and confidentially to a parent or legal guardian.