COVID SCHOOL TESTING PROGRAM
September 1st, 2021
Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians,
We know that last year was tough, but we are excited to get back in the classroom this fall. We are committed to taking the steps necessary to help us have a safe return to school. As part of steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep our school open for in-person learning, we will offer a free COVID-19 Testing Program for students and staff at Index School. Regular testing will help protect our students, staff, family members, and others who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 or are otherwise at risk for getting seriously sick from COVID-19.
Through this program we will be able to identify COVID-19 cases quickly and stop an outbreak before it happens. This will help us keep students in the classroom and be able to take part in the school activities they enjoy.
We are working with our state health department and are joining other school districts throughout the state that offer this program.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- WHO WILL BE TESTED? We will offer testing to everyone- all students and staff- even if they don’t have symptoms of COVID-19. *Testing is also available for students and staff who have symptoms of COVID-19, even if vaccinated, or who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
- HOW IS THE TESTING DONE? The COVID-19 testing is free, quick and easy. The nurse on our staff will oversee testing with a BinaxNOW test from Abbott Labs. Testing is done by gently swabbing the inner part of the lower nostril. This test is not painful. We do not use the longer swabs that reach higher into the nose. We are able to get feedback on the test within 15 minutes.
- WHERE AND WHEN IS THE TESTING DONE? Our School’s testing site will be in the extra classroom and will take place when a child shows symptoms and after breaks. If COVID-19 trends increase, we may conduct tests more often to be proactive. Results will be available within 15 minutes from taking the test.
- HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT MY CHILD’S INFORMATION WILL BE PROTECTED? Sharing of information about your child will only be done for public health purposes and in accordance with applicable law and policies protecting student privacy and the security of your child’s data.
THIS LETTER ASKS YOUR PERMISSION FOR US TO:
- Regularly test your child as part of a free COVID-19 testing program at school.
- Test your child if they show symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a person with COVID-19 while in school.
To learn more or register your child, please call us at 360-793-1330 or email our nurse: Lynne Kelly @ lkellyrn@index.k12.wa.us.
We are extremely grateful to our committed families and staff who continue to show great flexibility ad resilience as we work together to contain the spread of this virus. If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 Testing Program, please reach out to Lynne Kelly or myself.
Sincerely
Brad Jernberg
Superintendent for Index School District
Reopening Washington Schools FAQ for School District
Washington’s COVID-19 Vaccine Phases
Washington Schools 2020 Reopening Plan