 The purpose of spinal screening is to detect signs of abnormal curves of the spine at the earliest stages so that the need for treatment can be determined. Many cases of curvature of the spine are mild and require only ongoing observation by a Physician when they are first diagnosed. Others can worsen with time as the child grows and may require treatment. Early treatment can prevent the development of a severe deformity, which can affect a person’s appearance and health.

 All 5 th and 8 th grade Students are screened. Any new Students (6 th -12 th grade) with no record of Spinal Screening are also screened. Boys need to wear regular clothing and will remove their shirts for screening. Girls need to wear a sports bra or swimsuit top under their regular clothing and will remove their shirts for screening.

 The procedure for screening is simple. Screeners who have been specially trained will look at the child’s back while he/she stands and then bends forward. For this examination, boys and girls will be screened separately, and individually.

 The Student must be screened according to State Law unless an Affidavit of Religious Exemption or documentation from a Physician stating the Student has already been screened by them is submitted before the date of screening at the school. Parents will be notified of the results only if the Student shows positive signs after two screenings. Please notify the School Nurse if an Affidavit of Religious Exemption is needed.