BMI Screenings To Gauge Students' Weight Risks

The will be screening students in selected grades for their body mass index in the coming weeks in order to comply with state mandates.

Earlier this week at the School Committee meeting, Nursing Coordinator Mary Holman reported that aggregate info collected last year from the student body had found the district below others in the state in most categories of overweight and obese students. Data is based primarily on the age and gender of the students.

BMI Screening Starts In January

Students in grades 1, 4, 7, 10 will have the screening done this winter. The elementary school grades' testing will be done in January, while those at the middle school and high school will have theirs in February.

Parents can also opt to have their children not participate in the screening.

Holman also indicated that the information gathered will be kept private and mailed directly to parents, probably in March.

In a brief interview, Holman recently cited the large gaps that can appear between school districts when measuring the number of students at risk for being overweight or obese. For example, Arlington has among the lower obesity rates statewide, while Lawrence has among the highest rates.

She also pointed out that in a smaller district like Lynnfield, even one student can have an impact on a district's data. Overall though, "I think we're doing OK," she said.