Screening Dates for Stevenson MS will be Sept 24 and Sept. 26
Northside Independent School District
Health Services Department
Student Screening Information
The state of Texas currently mandates school districts to conduct health screenings for students each
school year. In compliance with the state guidance, Northside ISD will be conducting the following
screenings this school year.
Vision and Hearing Screening-Pre-K, Kinder, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grade. Students in all grades, who
are new to the district, will also be screened. Pre-K and Kinder will be screened in the first semester of the
school year. For students in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th, the screening will take place anytime within the school
year. If a student does not pass the initial vision or hearing screening, a second screening will take place
in approximately 2-4 weeks. If a student does not pass the second screening, a referral letter will be sent
home by the school nurse.
Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes (visual screening of the neck)-1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th
graders. Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin marker (usually seen on the back of neck) associated with high
insulin levels and is considered a risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. Students found to have the skin marker
will be individually assessed for height, weight, and blood pressure and a written referral with the results
of the assessment will be sent home by the school nurse.
Spinal Screening (visual screening of the back)- School nurses will check the students for signs of
spinal problems such as Scoliosis. This screening usually occurs during the first semester of the school
year. Girls are screened at age 10 or during the fall semester of 5th grade and again at age 12 or
during the fall semester of 7th grade. Boys are screened at age 13 or 14 or during the fall semester
of 8th grade. Catching a spinal problem early can make the treatment much easier and may prevent
serious health issues. The screener will look at the student’s back while he/she stands and bends
forward. If a student does not pass the screening, a referral form will be sent home by the school nurse.
In lieu of the screening(s) provided by the school:
1. Parents or guardians may provide a recent screening record signed by a licensed
professional.
2. The Texas Department of State Health Services allows parents or guardians to provide a
signed statement that the vision, hearing or spinal screening conflicts with the tenets and
practices of a church or religious denomination of which the affiant is an adherent or
member.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact your campus nurse.