Heights and weights are done yearly on all school students. Presently, there is a "...nationwide effort dedicated to improving the health and academic performance of children through better nutrition and physical activity in schools."*
As a part of the yearly school health growth screening, measured height and weight will be used as a means of calculating a BMI (Body Mass Index) for a given age. The BMI will be used as a guideline to help assess whether a student may be overweight or underweight. Visit this site for updates concerning this initiative.
Click here to visit CDC (Center for Disease Control) website
“Health and success in school are interrelated. Schools cannot achieve their primary mission of education if students and staff are not healthy and fit physically, mentally, and socially.”**
*Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA)
**Fit, Healthy, and Ready to Learn, NASBE 2000
Mandated Growth Screening Program: BMI
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The health and wellness of our children are a national priority. In the
Spring Cove School District, we address our children's health and wellness
needs with a comprehensive approach that includes health screenings,
physical activity programs, nutrition, and education.
As the result of a state mandate, the Growth Screening Program
will become part of our efforts. All children enrolled in Pennsylvania schools
will have their height and weight measured, which will then be used to calculate their body mass index (BMI). BMI is a screening tool used to determine whether a child is overweight or underweight.
Your child's BMI is based on the ratio of height to weight. BMI is reported
as a percentile ranking based on the child's age and gender. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) created the percentile ranges to identify children who may be at risk for specific health problems. Children with high BMI are at increased risk for serious health conditions such as insulin resistance (a precursor to diabetes) and heart disease.
Like all screening tools, BMI can produce some false positives or negatives.
For example, a student may have an artificially high BMI due to a high level
of lean body tissue or muscle, as may be found in a well-conditioned
athlete. That's why it's so important to follow up with your doctor if your
child's BMI is high or low.
Your child's BMI is strictly confidential and will not be discussed with
anyone other than you and your child. Please share your child's BMI
information with your child's health care provider. Your doctor or nurse is
in the best position to evaluate your child's overall health.
Feel free to call your child's school nurse with any questions you may have
about the Growth Screening Program. Additional information about your children's wellness and fitness is available upon request.
Sincerely,
Your School Nurse