Mom says school sent home letter claiming child was overweight
Feb 6, 2015
Brian Entin
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – A Palm Beach Gardens mom is furious about the letter from a nurse she found in her first grader’s backpack Thursday.
“Her first question to me was ‘do they think I’m fat? Is there something wrong with me,’ ” Laura Cacdac said.
Cacdac’s daughter Charley came home with a letter that said: “From the results of this test, it is suggested that your child’s health be examined by a physician, particularly as it relates to the problem suggested by the screening. A problem such as this that goes uncorrected or untreated can severely affect both the health and academic performance of your child.” The health screening at Palm Beach Gardens Elementary is required by state law.
Cacdac said her daughter was able to read the letter and asked her mom if the school thought she was overweight.
“It is basically in my opinion telling me I am harming my child and doing wrong by her and then telling me how to properly feed my child,” Cacdac said.
Cacdac says she called the school nurse who she says explained the child’s BMI (body mass index) was high. Cacdac says the nurse told her according to state standards her daughter is overweight.
But trips to the doctor have shown the first grader is healthy and not overweight.
“My child’s favorite foods are avocados, broccoli and apples…she is perfectly healthy in every way: emotionally, physically, and academically,” Cacdac says.
Cacdac says she takes issue with the health surveys and the way the results are communicated with parents.
But Boca pediatrician Andrew Reiss says the screenings are important.
“I think it helps families focus on healthy habits,” Dr. Reiss said.
Dr. Reiss says BMI is a calculation of height, weight, and age…and it’s not always the entire story.
“Sometimes we tell people don’t worry everything is fine, but sometimes there is something that can be done better and we involve kids in that discussion,” Dr. Reiss said.
Dr. Reiss says it is not uncommon for parents to show up at his office with the letter.
Cacdac worries the screenings and the letters sent home with students could create body image issues.
“Something like this can stick with her for the rest of her life. It is going to stick in her head…am I fat? Do they think I’m fat?” Cacdac said.
Cacdac says she has since opted her daughter out of all future health screenings.
The Palm Beach County School District says the letters sent home are in sealed envelopes that even teachers can’t read.
Read and watch the video.
Read More about obesity in schools.
