Physical exams are required by New York State Education Law for all newly enrolled students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, & 11 and, when necessary, for special education evaluations. The examination may be conducted by either the family physician or the school physician.

In cases where a school health examination reveals a potential problem, parents are notified of the need for further study by the family physician or dentist and forms are sent to parents to be filled out by the doctor so that the necessary adjustments may be made in the school program.

Sports physicals are required before a student may participate in any interscholastic sport or sports practice - the required NYS SCHOOL HEALTH EXAMINATION FORM must be used. In-school examinations are offered to athletes prior to each sports season. If being examined by the school medical officer, you must also complete the Health Appraisal Form, obtainable from the school nurse/health office. Fall sports examinations are offered in May of the previous year. The physical is performed by the school physician unless the parent requests a private examination. No student may participate without the approval of the school medical officer.

• Vision screenings for distance and near acuity will be done for all newly entering students and students in Kindergarten and Grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11.
• Color perception screening for all newly entering students.
• Hearing screenings will be done for all newly entering students and students in Kindergarten and Grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11.
• Scoliosis screening of the spine is done annually for all girls in grades 5 and 7 and boys in grade 9.

As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed, and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI’. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low. Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. A sample of school districts will be selected to take part in a survey by the New York State Department of Health. If our school is selected to be part of the survey, we will be reporting to New York State Department of Health information about our students’ weight status groups. Only summary information is sent. No names and no information about individual students are sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report.

The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier.

If you do not wish to have your child’s weight status group information included as part of the Health Department’s survey this year, please call your Nurse’s Office by January 2, 2023.

Health Office Phone Numbers:

• Massapequa High School - Main Campus: 516-308-5991
• Massapequa High School - Ames Campus: 516-308-5891
• Berner Middle School: 516-308-5791
• Birch Lane Elementary: 516-308-5191
• East Lake Elementary: 516-308-5291
• Fairfield Elementary: 516-308-5391
• Lockhart Elementary: 516-308-5491
• McKenna Elementary: 516-308-5591
• Unqua Elemetary: 516-308-5691