Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that body mass index (BMI) and weight status group are to be included as part of a student’s school health examination. BMI is calculated by weighing a student and measuring their height. BMI helps a doctor or nurse determine whether a student’s weight is within a healthy range or is too high or too low.
A sample of school districts are selected each year to take part in a survey by the New York State Department of Health. Duanesburg Central School District has been selected to be part of the survey this year. This means DCS will report to New York State Department of Health information about our students’ weight status groups.
Only summary information will be sent; it will not include names or information about individual students. The Department of Health will use the information to help develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier.
Parents/guardians may choose to have their child’s information excluded from the BMI survey report. Parents/guardians who do not wish to have their child’s weight status group information included as part of the Health Department’s survey should contact their child’s school nurse to complete the necessary form.