Dear Parent/Guardian of 8th grade boys and 7th grade girls:

Kahla Middle School will be conducting spinal screening on November 30th and December 1st. 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. Scoliosis, a common spinal abnormality found in adolescents, is a sideways twisting of the spine. It is usually detected in children between 10 and 14 years of age. Kyphosis, sometimes called round back, is an exaggerated rounding of the upper back and is often confused with poor posture. Many cases 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. Screeners who have been specially trained 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.

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 checkup.

According to state law, all students in grades 6 and 9 (or grades 5 and 8) must receive the spinal screening. If, for religious reasons, you do not wish to have your child screened, you are to submit an affidavit of religious exemption to this office no later than November 15th.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Sincerely,

Sarah Attias, RN, BSN

November is Native American Heritage Month, or as it is commonly referred to, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.