Important Updates for 5th Grade
Special Edition - February 18, 2016
An Important Note from Nurse Barbara - Spinal Screenings
Nurse Barbara will begin doing spinal screenings next week (February 22nd). The purpose of spinal screening is to detect the signs of abnormal curves of the spine at the 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/or 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. A certified screener (Nurse Barbara), who has been specially trained, will look at your child’s spinal column. For the examination, boys and girls will be seen separately and individually.
ALL STUDENTS MUST REMOVE THEIR SHIRT FOR THE EXAM. GIRLS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A BRA, SPORTS BRA OR A SWIMSUIT TOP UNDERNEATH THEIR SHIRT ON EXAM DAY. Since they will not know which day they will be pulled for testing, they will need to wear a bra/swimsuit top or bring one each day until they are tested. (IF YOUR DAUGHTER PREFERS, SHE MAY CHANGE INTO HER BRA OR SWIMSUIT TOP JUST PRIOR TO HER EXAM.)
Parents will be notified of the results of the screening only if professional follow-up is necessary. The screening procedure does not replace your child’s need for regular health care and checkups.
According to the law, screenings must be performed 3 years apart. Leander ISD has implemented a program to screen in 5th and 8th grades.
As stated above, this is a STATE mandated test. If you do not wish to have Nurse Barbara check your child you must let her know by email by Monday February 22nd. You must then have your primary doctor perform the exam and have documentation in to Nurse Barbara by March 1st or she will have to perform the exam. As always, If you have questions please contact us. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
5th Grade Parent Night at CPMS
5th Grade Parent Night will be held at Cedar Park Middle School on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH at 6:30 p.m. Parents and students will hear a presentation from 6th grade teachers from each department area as well as a presentation from the counseling department about available course options and information on registering for courses. You will also have the opportunity to meet with elective teachers and coaches.
5th Grade Visits to Middle School
5th Grade Visits are an opportunity for incoming 6th graders to learn more about CPMS and begin the process of registering for classes. Our 5th grade visit to Cedar Park Middle School is on Friday, March 4th this year. Students will be given a choice sheet during this time and will be asked to make preliminary elective choices. They will also bring a copy of the choice sheet home to their parents to approve and sign. During the 5th Grade Visits, students will get to meet current 6th grade teachers as well as eat at the CPMS cafeteria.
The tentative agenda is as follows...
9:00 Load buses on elementary campus
9:20-9:30 Arrive at CPMS
9:40-10:15 Pep Rally
10:15-10:25 Restroom Break
10:25-10:55 6th grade Registration
10:55-11:30 Lunch
11:40 Load buses to head back to elementary campus