Body Mass Index (BMI) Testing

"Every two years, the School Health Initiative Program (SHIP) collects Body Mass Index (BMI) data on 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th graders throughout the school division.  This entails measuring and recording height and weight for over 3,000 students.  The data is collected in a sensitive and private way, is kept confidential, and not shared with individual students or their families. 

The data is used solely for program evaluation and to provide baseline data for future applications for state and federal funding.  Funding for the data collection comes from the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation.  All division parents/guardians receive a letter with the details of the BMI data collection process.  Parents can “opt out” their children if they don’t want them to participate. Students are also informed about their right to “opt-out.”

The most recent BMI data collection process took place in February through March 2011.  Results will be posted on the SHIP website by August 2011. 

Click [HERE] to get answers to Frequently Asked Questions about BMI testing.

Click [HERE] to see script that will be used by testers when they meet with your student.

Click [HERE] to see checklist of information that data-gathering volunteers will use.