The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires that schools conduct screenings for hearing, vision, height and weight (BMI) and postural (scoliosis) screening . Parents will be notified of any abnormal findings with recommendation for follow up care with an appropriate health care provider.
Screenings will most likely take place in the Winter/ Spring. Parents will be notified at least a week in advance to when these screenings will take place.

If you choose to exclude your child for any of the following please send in a note or email to the school nurse

• ​Grade 4-Vision, Hearing and BMI
• Grade 5-Vision and Hearing
• Grade 6-Postural
• Grade 7- BMI, Postural, Vision, Hearing and SBIRT
  

What is SBIRT?

In order to help prevent students from starting to use substances, or intervene with early use, Whitin Intermediate School nursing staff will be providing an interview‐based screening for 7th grade students about the use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. This screening utilizes the most commonly used substance use screening tool for adolescents in Massachusetts, the CRAFFT.

Student screening sessions will be brief (1-5 minutes) and conducted confidentially in private, one‐on‐one sessions along with other routine screenings conducted by the school nurse in the school. Students who are not using substances will have their healthy choices reinforced by the screener. The screener will provide brief feedback to any student who reports using substances, or is at risk for future substance use. If needed, we will refer the student to follow up with our nurse and/or adjustment counselor for further evaluation and contact parents. Results of the screening will not be included in your student’s school record. Your student will be handed back their completed screen, which has helpful information for teens on the reverse.