Scoliosis Screening Parent Information Letter

SUBJECT:  STATE MANDATED SCOLIOSIS SCREENING PROGRAM

Effective September 1, 1982, Pennsylvania Department of Health school law requires that a screening program for scoliosis be performed on all children in grades 6 and 7.

The purpose of the screening program is to detect possible curvature of the spine in children.  If the condition is detected early and appropriately treated, progressive spinal deformity may be prevented.  A scoliosis screening will be conducted at Haverford Middle School during February 2018 in Physical Education classes for all 7th grade students.

The screening test is very simple and can be performed in less than a minute.  The school nurse will check your child's back by observing it while your child is standing and bending forward.  You will be contacted if there is any reason to have your child examined by your pediatrician, family physician, or orthopedist.

To assure a view of the spine, we will request that students expose their backs during screening.  Boys and girls will be screened separately.

Exceptions:  Students who are under observation or care for scoliosis by a physician or whose parents object in writing to screening need not be tested. Letters should be written to the attention of the school nurse and returned to the Nurse's Office no later than January 30, 2018.

Sincerely,

Rene' Madigosky,RN,MSN
HMS Certified School Nurse
610-853-5900 x5102