San Andreas, CA…On Thursday, July 20, Calaveras High School (CHS) students were provided free sports physicals through a generous sponsorship from Mark Twain Health Care District. Practitioners and staff from the Valley Springs Health and Wellness Center, along with CHS school staff, conducted 95 health screenings for students who wish to participate in sports for the upcoming school year.

Valley Springs Health & Wellness Center Staff (left to right):  Rachall Crowe, FNP; Diana Coleman, FNP; Whitney Vance, MA; and Katie Murphy, RN

CHS District School Nurse and Health Services Coordinator Belinda Brager taking a student’s blood pressure.

Students lined up to have their vision checked, blood pressure taken, height and weight recorded, and their overall physical attributes assessed to ensure the student’s health meets California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State requirements. The last year a sports physical event occurred for CHS students was in 2019.

Calaveras Unified School District (CUSD) School Nurse and Health Services Coordinator Belinda Brager expressed, “This is just one example of the many ways the Health Care District and the VS Health & Wellness Center support our students, work with our staff, and give back to the community. They also provide ongoing RoboDoc services (a free telehealth service to students with their parents on four of our campuses) along with equipment and medication at no cost to our students or schools. We are grateful for Dr. Smart’s vision and the amazing collaboration with his staff.”

Dr. Randy Smart stated, “Our most valuable resource is our young students. They are our future and our hope. We love working with them. The District and the Clinic are really proud to offer this service so our young people can safely participate in school sports. My understanding is at the end of the day we realized this county has a bunch of really healthy kids. No excuses now, let’s go win some games!”

A CHS sophomore, who plays basketball, appreciated the opportunity to complete the physical on campus. He stated, “Last year I had to go the hospital to get my sports physical. I am saving money and time today and I will get my paperwork in much sooner thanks to today’s clinic.” An incoming Freshman’s parent added, “This is our first experience with high school sports, and I didn’t even know that we needed to get a sports physical. She added, “I am grateful they are offering this to students today and it made it so much more convenient for us, especially because it is on orientation day.”

Thursday’s sports physical event was scheduled the same day as “Freshman Fly-In”, 145 freshman and new incoming students attended, reported by CHS Assistant Principal Cyndi Warmerdam. Students participated in a 30-minute ASB Rally and information session, played games, received free T-Shirts, where fed lunch, picked up their schedules and student handbooks, and received tours by request. “Freshman Fly-In” is designed to give new students an opportunity to bond with classmates and become familiar with the school culture and the campus.

Following the orientation, students who want to participate in school sports went to the gym for their free sports physical. CUSD’s Child Welfare and Attendance Director Rene Malamed greeted students as they arrived for their physicals. Malamed said, “Our student athletes work hard all school year to maintain their grades and attendance, while representing their school and team in competition. I am grateful we could provide this service to them in their own community.” Malamed, a parent of a CHS student athlete, is also the principal at Sierra Hills Education Center in San Andreas.

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