State Mandated Health Screenings
Dear Distance Learning Parents,
 
Great Hearts Irving Upper School will be conducting the state mandated Hearing & Vision Screenings, Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) Screening, and Spinal Screening on Thursday, February 4 and Friday, February 5 for the following distance learning student groups:

  • All 7th grade students (All Three Screenings)
  • All 8th grade boys (Spinal Screening Only)
  • All students NEW to Great Hearts (Hearing & Vision Screening Only)
 
Use the link below to make an appointment for your student’s mandatory screenings.
Hearing & Vision Screenings

If your child does not pass either the hearing or vision screening, they will be re-screened approximately two to three weeks later. For those students who do not pass the second screening, a referral letter will be sent to their parents/guardians recommending they be seen by a specialist. In order to ensure a proper screening, please be sure your child is wearing any prescribed eye wear (glasses or contacts) and that their ears are cleaned (removal of wax build up) if needed.  We appreciate your assistance in getting the best results for our students during these screenings!
Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) Screening

The AN screening is a Texas Risk Assessment that is performed in order to identify children who may be at a higher risk to develop Type 2 Diabetes. Students who are identified with the marker, following an assessment of the back of the neck, will also have their weight, height and blood pressure assessed. Risk assessments with referrals are issued to the parents/guardians of these children, alerting them of their child's risk factors and recommending further evaluation from a health professional. 
Spinal Screening

The last mandated screening set forth by the state of Texas is a Spinal Screening. This screening is performed on ALL 7th grade girls and 8th grade boys. As a certified professional, I will check your child for signs of spinal problems such as scoliosis. Catching a spinal problem early can make the treatment much easier. Untreated spinal issues can lead to serious health problems in the future. The screening is simple, I will look at your child's back while he or she stands and then bends forward. The school will issue you a letter if your child does not pass the screening, informing you how to follow-up with your medical provider.
 
Important Recommendations for the Spinal Screenings:
  • Girls should wear a thin t-shirt, a sports bra or a tank top underneath their shirt on exam day.
  • Boys and girls will be screened separately and one at a time.

If you do not wish to have your child screened for spinal irregularities due to religious reasons, you must submit an exemption to the school no later than Wednesday, February 3.

If your child is already under medical care for spinal issues, I need a note stating the condition.
Should you have any questions concerning any of these state mandated screenings, please feel free to contact me at Courtney.Nolte@greatheartsirving.org.
 
Thank you,
 
Courtney Nolte, RN
GHI Upper School Campus Nurse