School nurses conduct several state-mandated health screenings throughout the school year. If screening results indicate the need for follow-up care by a health care provider, parents/guardians will be notified in writing and school nurses will be able to provide resources for local providers if needed. The completed referral form must be returned to the school nurse in a timely manner.
Parents/guardians who wish to exempt their child from any of the health screenings should notify their child’s school nurse in writing of this request.
The schedule for health screenings in school is as follows:
- Vision: Pre-K through grade 5, grade 7, and grade 10
- Hearing: K through grade 3, grade 7, and grade 10
- Growth: Grades 1, 4, 7 & 10
- Postural: Grades 5 through 9
Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT): Grades 7 & 10
What is SBIRT?
SBIRT is an evidence-based screening to promote prevention and identify early risk for substance use in adolescents. SPS nurses and counseling staff use the CRAFFT-II screening tool, which is mandated by Department of Public Health (DPH). Please refer to the state’s website for more information about this screening and for helpful resources.
Dental Screening
Dental screening through our partner Polished Dental may be offered at your child’s school. School nurses will notify families when those screenings are scheduled and provide information on how to register students for this service.
Physical Exams
All students entering Salem Public Schools must provide a current physical exam report at the time of registration. Thereafter, students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10 must provide the school nurse with an updated physical exam report that includes a current immunization record.