Health Screenings
Great Hearts school nurses will perform the following state-required health screenings. If you do not wish the district health staff to perform the screenings, you may substitute a professional examination by a health care provider of your choice. Please contact your campus nurse for further instructions.
The results of these screenings may indicate that your child may need diagnostic evaluation beyond the school capabilities. Referrals to physicians are made as needed.
Parents are urged to obtain appropriate medical care following a school screening referral. If you do not have insurance or cannot afford care, your campus nurse may be able to assist you with referrals for free or affordable care.
Vision and Hearing Screening:
Hearing and vision screening is required for students who are 4 years old by September 1, students in Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades, as well as all students new to Texas schools.
DSHS Vision and Hearing Program
Spinal Screening:
In compliance with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 37, all students will undergo screening for abnormal spinal curvature according to the following schedule:
- Girls will be screened two times, once at age 10 (or fall semester of 5th grade), and again at age 12 (or fall semester of 7th grade)
- Boys will be screened one time at age 13 or 14 (or fall semester of 8th grade)
Acanthosis Nigricans Screening:
The 77th Texas Legislature passed legislation requiring school districts to screen students in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades for Acanthosis Nigricans (AN). AN is a skin marker which may indicate pre-diabetes. AN is a light brown or black, velvety, rough, or thickened area or “marker” on the surface of the skin (usually on the neck). The presence of AN may signal high insulin levels, which puts a person at risk for more serious chronic conditions.