Edwin Washington Project

Reasoning behind Physical Examinations.  Written about 1921.[1]  Following the pandemic of 1918, we begin to see serious discussions about how to protect children’s health appear in official documents.  In 1920, there was a discussion regarding “what the teacher may do to safeguard the health of the child.[2]  This would at some point involve the personal health inspection of students by teachers, done according to guidelines provided by the School Nurse[3].  One wonders if that created any unwanted sexual encounters. The topic was a formal part of the agenda of the 1922 White Teacher’s Institute[4]  and by 1923 teachers were inquiring if the requirement could be repealed in counties already having nurses.[5]

• 1917.   In 1917, infantile paralysis, scarlet fever, etc. interfered with work at Bluemont, Waterford and Leesburg.[1]

• 1921/22 Children were required to participate in at least five minutes a day for physical exercise[2].
• 1922/23. The short exercise period continued with the additional requirement that students be examined by the teachers under the supervision of a nurse no later than Oct 3^rd.  Interscholastic games required permission of the Superintendent[3].  The period was extended to twenty minutes by 1943 and then to half an hour in 1944/45; this requirement stayed up through 1956.
• 1929   Five Point Program [4]  Very important.
• 1938/39-1950-51.  See also 6.3.2 Virginia Teacher’s Term Reports, which show school by school Physical Examination statistics for 1938/39- 1950/51, as well as Five Point statistics.
• 1941 (undated memo mixed with 1941 files of Helen Einstein, Supervisor of Elementary Schools).  See 4.8(D).  The memo provides extensive guidance on physical exercise and diet, patriotism related to the war effort, X-Rays and support from Coca Cola.
• 1940’s. Undated memo by Helen Haertel stressing need for better provisions for gifted and mentally handicapped children.  See 4.8(d).
• Physical and Health Education 1951-56.  Immunizations were especially important here.
• 1929:  See 4.2 White Teacher Institute.  New vaccination and other requirements.

7.6.1  Dental Clinics and policies

7.6.2  Eye Exams

7.6.3  Hearing Tests