The state of Texas currently mandates school districts to conduct health screenings for students each school year. In compliance with the state guidance, Northside ISD will be conducting hearing and vision screenings on all 7th grade students on February 4th through their Texas History class.
In addition, all 7th graders will be screened for acanthosis, which is part of the Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes (visual screening of the neck) . Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin marker (usually seen on the back of neck) associated with high insulin levels and is considered a risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. Students found to have the skin marker will be individually assessed for height, weight, and blood pressure and a written referral with the results of the assessment will be sent home by the school nurse.
In lieu of the screening(s) provided by the school:
Parents or guardians may provide a recent screening record signed by a licensed professional.
The Texas Department of State Health Services allows parents or guardians to provide a signed statement that the vision, hearing or acanthosis screening conflicts with the tenets and practices of a church or religious denomination of which the affiant is an adherent or member.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your campus nurse, Brandy Willshire, RN, at brandy.willshire@nisd.net or by phone at 210-397-1009.
