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Important Update: Parental Consent COVID-19 Testing

September 9, 2021
Posted on: September 16, 2021 - 1:43pm
IMPORTANT UPDATE: PARENTAL CONSENT COVID-19 TESTING 
Dear Parents and Caregivers, 
 
This year, we are committed more than ever to keeping our students in school buildings.  You can help us prevent time away from in-person instruction by providing consent for your child to participate in COVID-19 testing.  
 
 
Testing in school districts approved by the state includes symptomatic testing, Test and Stay, and Pooled Testing.  At this time, Weymouth Public Schools is not offering pooled testing, and is only seeking consent for symptomatic testing and the Test and Stay program. 
 
As you consider opting in or out of these programs, I ask that you note the importance of unvaccinated students participating in Test and Stay.  If your child is unvaccinated and becomes a close contact of a COVID-19 positive individual, and your child is not enrolled in Test and Stay, your child will need to quarantine for ten days to comply with COVID-19 protocols. 
 
As a reminder, below is a general overview of each program offered across the district: 
  1. Test and Stay -
    1. With Parental Consent: School based close contacts participating in this program can receive a rapid test in school every day for 7 days.  As long as the results are negative, and the individual remains without symptoms, they can stay in school and continue to participate in sports and all extracurricular programs.
    2. Without Parental Consent: Any student who is unvaccinated and a close contact that is not enrolled in Test and Stay will need to remain out of school for 7-10 days.
  2. Symptomatic Testing
    1. With Parental Consent: Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 (not identified as close contacts) who are sick with symptoms will be sent home, but can opt to receive a rapid test before being dismissed.  If the test is negative, the individual will have the opportunity to return to school after being fever-free for at least 24 hours, symptoms have improved or disappeared, and a negative test result is obtained.  
    2. Individuals who opt not to test and have COVID-19 symptoms must quarantine for ten days. 
Thank you for your continued support, and partnership, as we work together to safely maintain our students in school buildings this school year.  
 
Sincerely, 
Robert Wargo
Superintendent