Dear Parent or Guardian,

As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student's body mass index or BMI. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student's weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low. Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student's school health examination. A sample of school districts will be selected to take part in a survey by the New York State Department of Health. If our school is selected to be part of the survey, we will be reporting to New York State Department of Health information about our students' weight status groups. The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier.

Only anonymous summary information is sent. No names and no identifying information about individual students is included in the report. However, you may choose to have your child's information excluded from this survey report.

*If you do not wish to have your child's weight status group information included as part of the Health Department's survey this year, please notify the health office in writing.

Thank you,

Jennifer Johnson RN, BSN
(716) 934-2603, ext 1107