Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
The high schools in the Francis Howell School District utilize ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) to assist in the management of concussions sustained by student-athletes. ImPACT provides an FDA approved computer-based neurocognitive examination that helps determine how your student-athlete’s brain is functioning. This test is utilized world-wide by a variety of athletic organizations including the NFL, the NCAA, and thousands of high school programs.
The Francis Howell School District administers ImPACT tests with the assistance of Athletic Trainers from our sports medicine partner, Athletico Physical Therapy. One key to the success of this program is testing athletes before they are concussed. This pre-injury baseline test provides a look at how the brain typically functions and is compared to any post-injury testing completed after a concussion has been sustained. The healthcare providers overseeing a student-athlete’s care can utilize this information to assist with a safe return to athletic activity after a concussion.
All students participating in football, softball, baseball, boys/girls volleyball, girls lacrosse, boys/girls soccer, boys/girls basketball, wrestling, color guard, winter guard, cheerleading, pole vault and high jump need to complete a baseline test as mandated by the Francis Howell School District Activities Handbook. All incoming freshmen, returning juniors, and any athlete who was not tested in the previous year at their current high school who participates in the activities mentioned above must have a valid ImPACT baseline test before being allowed to practice. A Parent/Guardian Consent form, which is attached to this letter, must be completed prior to the ImPACT assessment. Please sign and return this consent form to the Activities Office. The coaching staff and Athletic Trainer will work together to baseline test the student-athletes.
The dates for ImPACT testing at each high school are on the activities website for each school. Additional information on the ImPACT test can be found at www.impacttest.com. If you have questions about dates or testing, please feel free to contact the school’s activity office, or your school’s athletic trainer.
Sincerely,
Scott Harris, CMAA
Activities Director
Francis Howell Central High School