HPS Student and Parent Handbook 2019-2020

Exemption
A student may be exempt from screening requirements if
screening conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized
church or religious denomination of which the individual is an
adherent or a member and the family member follows the state
guidelines prior to admission to the school. To qualify for the
exemption, the individual or, if the individual is a minor, the
minor’s parent, managing conservator, or guardian, must submit
to the Principal or health office staff on or before the day of
enrollment to the school an affidavit stating the objections to
screening. The affidavit must indicate that a medical professional
other than the school health personnel will conduct the screening.
This affidavit creates a provisional basis for up to 60 days, after
which the proof of screening must be presented or the student
must be screened per the regular schedule. Parents are not
required to be notified of screenings throughout the school year
as the affidavit must be presented by the parent on enrollment
and the proof of screening must be presented within 60 calendar
days of enrollment to comply with state exemption eligibility.
Spinal Screening
Female children aged 10 & 12 or in the 5th and 7th grade, and
Male children age 13 or 14 or in the 8th grade must be screened
for abnormal spinal curvature before the end of the school year
The screening requirement for students entering state mandated
screening grades may be met if the child has been screened for
spinal deformities during the previous year. Spinal screenings are
non-invasive and are performed by grade level and gender.
A parent, managing conservator, or guardian who declined
participation in the spinal screening provided by the school must
submit to the Principal documentation of a professional
examination which includes the results of a forward-bend test.
This documentation must be submitted to the school during the
year the student is scheduled for screening or, if the professional
exam is obtained during the following summer, at the beginning
of the following school year.
Exemption
A student is exempt from screening if the screening conflicts with
the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious
denomination of which the individual is an adherent or member
and the family member follows the state guidelines prior to
admission to the school. To qualify for the exemption, the
student’s parent, managing conservator, or guardian must submit
to the Principal or health office staff on or before the day of the
enrollment to the school an affidavit stating the objections to
screening. The affidavit must indicate that a medical professional
other than the school health personnel will conduct the screening.
This affidavit creates a provisional basis for up to 60 days, after
which the proof of screening must be presented or the student
must be screened per the regular schedule. Parents are not
required to be notified of screenings throughout the school year
as the affidavit must be presented by the parent on enrollment
and the proof of screening must be presented within 60 calendar
days of enrollment to comply with state exemption eligibility.
Acanthosis Nigricans Screening
Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) is a skin condition characterized by
abnormally increased coloration (hyperpigmentation) and
“velvety” thickening (hyperkeratosis) of the skin, particularly of
skin fold regions, such as of the neck and under the arms (axillae).
The screening is mandated by Texas law (Section 95.001, Health
and Safety Code). Students who attend public or private schools in
grades K, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th are required to participate in the
screening.
Exemption
A student may be exempt from screening if the screening conflicts
with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious
denomination of which the individual is an adherent or member
and the family member follows the state guidelines prior to
admission to the school. To qualify for the exemption, the
student’s parent, managing conservator, or guardian must submit
to the Principal or health office staff on or before the day
enrollment to the school an affidavit stating the objections to
screening. The affidavit must indicate that a medical professional
other than the school health personnel will conduct the screening.
This affidavit
creates a provisional basis for up to 60 days, after which the proof
of screening must be presented or the student must be screened
per the regular schedule. Parents are not required to be notified
of screenings throughout the school year as the affidavit must be
presented by the parent on enrollment and the proof of screening
must be presented within 60 calendar days of enrollment to
comply with state exemption eligibility.
Counseling Services
The school or district may provide a counselor to see students
regarding problems that they may be experiencing at school or
home. Typically, a student’s class teacher will refer the student to
the Principal or Dean of Students and they will ensure that the
proper referral is made. If the district employs licensed counselors
and a referral is made to them, a parent consent will need to be
signed before the student can be seen. These services are not
meant to take the place of external, personal, counseling services
if the student or family should need them but are supportive in
helping with short term or acute mental health or social-emotional
supports.
Freedom from Discrimination,
Harassment, and Retaliation
Statement of Nondiscrimination
27 | Revised in July 2019