Health Entrance Requirements

Physical Examinations are required before entry into Pre-school, Kindergarten, prior to school enrollment (if a new student coming from outside the State of Ct) and in Grades 6 and 9. (A physical exam done within one year is acceptable).
Newtown Schools require that all students comply with State of Connecticut immunization requirements before entry into school:

NOTE:  Laboratory confirmation of immunity is only acceptable for Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis A, and Varicella.  Verification of Varicella Disease needs to be confirmed in writing by a MD, PA, or APRN that the child has a previous history of the disease, based on family or medical history.

EXEMPTIONS: 

1. Religious (proper forms are required) and
2. Medical (certification from a physician stating that the immunization is contraindicated)
    
3. Tuberculin testing - This applies to foreign and foreign-born students (new entrants and Kindergarten students) entering from a high risk country*.  Physician's verification of a tuberculin test (Mantoux) given in the USA, including the date given and the results of the test.
   *High Risk Country (As Identified by the Center for Disease Control and the Connecticut Department of Public Health Infectious Diseases Section)
   
   RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE with the State Immunization and Local Laws lie with the Parents.  The immunization record MUST be one that provides the necessary information about the type, date, and dosage and is to be signed by a physician.  A health record from the previous school will also be accepted.

 

Health Screenings

The following health screenings are conducted at all Newtown Public Schools based on the recommendations of the CT Department of Edcation..

• Vision Screening:  Grades K, 1, 3, 4, and 5 by SPOT Vision Screener or Snellen chart

• Hearing Screening:  Grades K, 1, 3, 4, and 5 by Puretone audiometer

• Scoliosis Screening: 5th & 7th grade girls and 9th grade boys by visual inspection

Students who have had a physical within the school year that included a vision, hearing or postural screening do not need to be retested. 

*In addition to the scheduled screenings, teachers may identify a student with a suspected problem and ask the nurse to screen or rescreen a student for a potential deficit. If the results of any screening tests indicate further evaluation needed the school will notify the parent/guardian and recommend further medical evaluation of the suspected problem. If the nurse is unable to test a student the parent/guardian will be notified. If a parent/guardian does not want a student to participate in any of the screenings they should notify the school nurse in writing every school year at the beginning of the year.
 

Resources:

How to Know if Your Child Needs Glasses

CDC: Hearing Loss in Children

What You Need to Know About School Hearing Screenings/

Scoliosis - Early Detection