Ricardo ISD

Spinal Screening Program

School-based spinal screening helps identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curvature at an early stage when the curve is mild and may go unnoticed. Early detection is key to controlling spinal deformities. Spinal screening is non-invasive and conducted in accordance with the most recent nationally accepted and peer-reviewed standards.

All students who meet the Texas Department of State Health Services criteria will be screened for abnormal spinal curvature before the end of the school year. As appropriate, students will be referred for follow-up with their physician.

For information on spinal screening by an outside professional or exemption from spinal screening based on religious beliefs, contact the superintendent or see policy FFAA(LEGAL).

Other Examinations and Screenings (All Grade Levels)

Type 2 Diabetes Screening

Students are required to undergo a risk assessment for Type 2 diabetes at the same time the district screens students for hearing and vision issues or for abnormal spinal curvatures.

[See policy FFAA for more information.]

If a student must take medication during school hours, the student’s parent must provide the medication. All medication, whether prescription or nonprescription, must be kept in the nurse’s office and be administered by the nurse or another authorized district employee. A student may be authorized to possess their own medication because of asthma or a severe allergy as described below or as otherwise allowed by law.

The district will not purchase nonprescription medication to give to a student.

In accordance with policy FFAC, authorized employees may administer:

Prescription medication in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request.

Prescription medication from a properly labeled unit dosage container filled by a registered nurse or another qualified district employee from the original, properly labeled container provided by the parent along with a written request.

Nonprescription medication in the original, properly labeled container, provided by the parent along with a written request. Note: Insect repellant is considered nonprescription medication.

Herbal or dietary supplements provided by the parent only if required by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.

An elementary or secondary student may possess and self-apply sunscreen to avoid overexposure to the sun. An elementary student’s teacher or other district personnel will apply sunscreen to the student’s exposed skin if the student brings the sunscreen to school and asks for help applying it. If a secondary student needs assistance with sunscreen application, please address the need with the school nurse.

Whether a student is at the elementary or secondary level, if sunscreen needs to be administered to treat any type of medical condition, this should be handled through communication with the school nurse so that the district is made aware of any safety and medical issues.

Asthma and Severe Allergic Reactions

A student with asthma or severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may possess and use prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school or school-related events only if they have written authorization from a parent and a physician or other licensed health-care provider. The student must also demonstrate to their health-care provider and the school nurse the ability to use the prescribed medication, including any device required to administer the medication.

If the student has been prescribed asthma or anaphylaxis medication for use during the school day, the student and parents should discuss this with the school nurse or principal.

[See also Food Allergies (All Grade Levels).]

Immunization (All Grade Levels)

A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized.

For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. You may access the DSHS exemption form (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunization-unit/texas-school-child-care-facility-immunization/texas-immunization-exemptions) online or by writing to this address:

Texas Department of State Health Services

Immunization Section, Mail Code 1946

P.O. Box 149347

Austin, Texas 78714-9347

The form must be notarized and submitted to the principal or school nurse within 90 days of notarization. If the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student in the family, a separate form must be provided for each student.

The immunizations required are:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
• Polio
• Measles, mumps, and rubella
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• Meningococcal
• Hepatitis A

The school nurse can provide information on immunization requirements. Proof of immunization may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation.

If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a U.S. registered and licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the student or a member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a lifelong condition.

For information on immunization against bacterial meningitis and college enrollment and attendance, see Bacterial Meningitis (All Grade Levels).

[See the DSHS’s School and Childcare Vaccine Requirements: Requirements and policy FFAB(LEGAL) for more information.]

• K12 Immunization Requirements
• PK Immunization Requirements

Would you allow your child to do this???

Did you know...

E-cigarettes come in all shapes and sizes, and are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine in addition to harmful chemicals shown above. 

The use of e-cigarettes, also known as VAPING, is a growing epidemic among middle- and high school students.  Why? Because the companies who make e-cigarettes have promoted their products as cool, safe alternatives to drugs. However, as the graphic below shows, most teens do not even know what's in their e-cigarettes or that being in possession of an e-cigarette containing THC oil (tetrahydrocannabinol) is illegal in Texas!

Take time to learn more about e-cigarettes and how to talk to your teen about the dangers of vaping. Read the Surgeon General's Advisory on e-cigarette use among youth and related health issues that are directly tied to e-cigarettes. 

Evolution of E-Cigarettes

According to The Texas Department of Health and Human Services, vaping continues to grow in use among middle- and high school aged students. 

To help parents understand how e-cigarettes work, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed an E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products Visual Dictionary containing information on e-cigarette devices and the substances they can contain. 

Campaign to Quit Vaping

If you, your teen, or a loved one is currently vaping and would like to quite, visit YesQuite for expert advice and support from the Texas Department of State Health Services.