Gates Chili Central School District

Physical examinations are state mandated in prekindergarten or kindergarten, grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 and for eligibility to participate in interscholastic sports. A health certificate signed by a duly licensed New York State health care provider must be provided to the health office for new entrants to the district or for any student entering in any of the above grades. Health appraisals need to be presented within 30 days of entry. They are valid for 12 months, through the last day of the month in which the physical was completed. It is recommended that students have their annual physical with their primary care provider since that person knows the student’s health and medical history the best. Physical examinations are also available at school free of charge, if necessary. Examinations are conducted by the school physician/ nurse practitioner on selected days during the school year.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires certain screening examinations at certain ages or grades of students as listed to the right. The New York State Department of Health also requires that a private health care provider reports and the school district collects information on your student’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and Weight Status Category (WSC). Families may fulfill these legal obligations by having personal physicians conduct the screening exams privately. If a family has not provided a certificate or notified the nurse of a plan to have the screenings done privately by the time the nurse conducts the school screenings, the district will follow NYSED mandates and will conduct the screening as scheduled. Please communicate regularly with the school nurse to avoid confusion.

The following screening evaluations are conducted by the school nurse who will advise on any concerns:

1. Distance visual acuity and near visual acuity for all new entrants and for students in kindergarten, grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11 and at any other time deemed appropriate.
2. Color perception for all new entrants within six months of entrance.
3. Hearing acuity for all new entrants and for those in kindergarten, grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11 and at any other time deemed essential.
4. Scoliosis screening (curvature of the spine) for girls in grades 5 and 7 and for boys in grade 9.