 School Screenings
The following state mandated school screenings are performed
at Benold Middle School:
- Sixth grade students receive a spinal screening during the
semester that they are enrolled in Health. This screening was developed
to identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curves and to refer them for
treatment before these curves become too severe. Spinal screening is designed
to detect two major types of spinal deformities, scoliosis and
kyphosis. Parents will be notified by phone call and/or by mail if
there is reason for concern and a follow-up exam is needed by the doctor.
If your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, please keep us updated with
any changes in curvature and/or treatment plans. To learn more about spinal
screening state laws and the procedure for screening, see
Department of
State Health Services School Health Program.
- Seventh grade students receive numerous screenings.
These include the following: (1) Vision screening (2) Hearing screening (3)
Height and weight (4) * Acanthosis Nigricans. This screening consists of
checking the back of the neck for darkened, thick skin. (5) If time permits,
blood pressure and pulse are checked.
- Students served in special education are screened annually
for vision and hearing.
* Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition that signals high
insulin levels in the body. Insulin is important in the body because it helps
"carry" the glucose or sugar to the cells of the body. High insulin levels
indicate that the body is resisting the insulin that is being produced. As
a result, the pancreas produces more insulin than needed, and through time, it
can stop producing enough insulin to take the glucose to the cells in the body.
These markings can help identify persons who run the risk of developing diabetes
in the future. (Information taken from a pamphlet, "Acanthosis
Nigricans, A Sign of the Times" developed by the University of Texas-Pan
American Border Health Office).
* Acanthosis Nigricans is identified as a light brown-black,
velvety, rough or thickened lesion on the surface of the skin. It is
usually found around the neck, armpits and over the knuckles. For more
information, see
Acanthosis Nigricans
Any parent, student or staff member can request a screening
based on signs or symptoms. Please call, email or talk to me if your child
is having problems that you think might warrant a screening here at school.
Please keep me notified of any changes in your child's health. Working
together, we can maintain your child at his/her optimal health level, which in
turn, will contribute to a better and happier student.
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