Dear Merriman Park Elementary Parent/Guardian:

August 20, 2022

Texas Department of State Health Services requires different annual screenings based on the student’s grade level. A list of required screenings by grade level is below. The types of screenings conducted annually include vision, hearing, acanthosis nigricans, and spinal. Due to COVID-19 pandemic precautions, all screenings will be conducted
throughout the school year instead of one mass screening day.

If a student’s screening results indicate the need for further evaluation by a physician or other health provider, then the nurse will send home a referral letter. This screening does not replace your child’s need for regular health care and check-ups. 

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the mandated school screening, a physician-signed hearing, vision, acanthosis nigricans and/or spinal evaluation for the student must be submitted to the school nurse before September 1st, 2021.

Required Screenings by Grade Level
Pre-K – hearing and vision
Kindergarten – hearing and vision
1st grade – hearing, vision, and acanthosis nigricans
2nd grade – hearing and vision (new to RISD students only)
3rd – hearing, vision, and acanthosis nigricans
4th- hearing and vision (new to RISD students only)
5th- hearing, vision, acanthosis nigricans, and spinal (girls only)
6th – hearing and vision (new to RISD students only)
7th- hearing, vision, and acanthosis nigricans, spinal (girls)
8th- spinal (boys)
8th-12th - hearing and vision (new to RISD students only)

Thank you,

RISD Health Services
Holly Berglund, BSN, RN
MPE School Nurse
holly.berglund@risd.org
469-593-2750