Scoliosis Screening – LCs 7,10,9

Mitchell Intermediate will be conducting spinal screening for 6th graders on January 23-26, 2018. The purpose of spinal screening is to detect the signs of abnormal curves of the spine at their earliest stages so that the need for treatment can be determined. Abnormal curves of the spine are usually detected in children between ages 10-14 years of age. Many causes 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 require active treatment such as bracing and surgery. Early treatment can prevent the development of a severe deformity, which can affect a person’s appearance and health.

The procedure for screening is simple. Trained screeners will look at your child’s back while he/she stands and then bends forward. For this examination, boys and girls will be seen separately and individually. ALL STUDENTS MUST REMOVE THEIR SHIRT FOR THIS
EXAM. FOR THIS REASON, WE REQUEST THAT GIRLS WEAR A HALTER TOP, TUBE TOP, SPORTS BRA, OR A TWO- PIECE SWIMSUIT TOP UNDERNEATH THEIR
SHIRT ON EXAM DAY.

Please discuss the exam with your student. Parents will be notified of the results of the screening only if professional follow-up is necessary. This screening procedure does not replace your child’s need for regular health care and checkups. According to state law, all students in grades 6 and 9 must receive the spinal screening. If your child has had this exam done by a doctor this school year, you can submit a doctor’s note with the results of the
exam. If, for religious reasons, you do not wish to have your child screened, you are to submit an affidavit of religious exemption to the School Nurse, Kate Pollender, no later than January 19. Feel free to call me at 832-592-8457. Thank you for your cooperation.