NORTH COUNTRY SUPERVISORY UNION
...committed to the development of
Character, Competence, Creativity and Community.
IN-SCHOOL COVID TESTING OPTIONS COMING TO NCSU SCHOOLS
Dear NCSU School-Community:
This fall has been challenging due to the increase in cases of COVID-19 in our state, community and schools. We know everyone has struggled due to the disruptions of being asked to quarantine or go to remote learning in response to positive cases in our school community. We are committed to take the steps necessary to help us stay safe in school and maintain in-person learning.
NCSU schools will offer a range of free COVID-19 testing tools for students and staff. Testing will help keep students in school and protect our students, staff, family members, and others who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 or are at risk for getting seriously sick from COVID-19. These tools will help identify COVID-19 cases quickly and early, and then respond to positive cases.
We are working with the VT Dept. of Health and AOE and are joining other school districts throughout the state to offer response testing. Response testing includes both rapid antigen testing and PCR testing. These tools will be used in response to a positive case within the school community.
There are two kinds of tests that we will administer:
A PCR test is a very accurate test using a nasal swab. The swab is sent to a laboratory and results are available in 48 to 72 hours.
An antigen test is usually very accurate and also uses a nasal swab. Antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR tests, but when used over several consecutive days are highly effective at identifying infectious individuals.
Our school can get the results of an antigen test right here at school in about 15 to 30 minutes.
Test Type 1: “Test to Stay” (TTS) antigen testing
When an individual in our school tests positive for COVID-19, we will begin our Test to Stay program. Test to Stay is for unvaccinated students and staff who are close contacts of an individual who tested positive. TTS allows students to remain in school and participate in on-campus, school-sponsored activities, while receiving daily tests for up to 7 days.
Antigen testing every day upon arrival at school—individuals who test negative may remain at school
Students in TTS may ride the bus, but caregivers should be prepared to pick their student up if they receive a positive antigen test
Only unvaccinated students, ages 5 and up, will participate
Students in TTS may only attend school and on-campus school-sponsored activities that do not involve students from another school campus. Otherwise, they are expected to quarantine (they should not participate in other activities, go to the grocery store, or spend time with friends and others outside of the household)
If you do not consent to participate in TTS, your child must quarantine for 14 days, or have a negative PCR test at day 7 or later, in order to return to school and other activities
Test Type 2: In-School PCR Testing
We may administer in-school PCR response tests in the following situations:
Testing students/staff with symptoms after they have tested negative using an antigen test or in the absence of an antigen test. *Symptomatic students and staff will be required to quarantine at home until a negative result is received.
Testing a large number of students or staff members in order for them to leave quarantine
All testing is voluntary and will require consent. 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. We will send detailed information and separate registration form as we get closer to implementation. To learn more about response testing visit the VT AOE Testing Homepage or contact NCSU School Nurse Leader & Co-COVID Coordinator Lindy Perry at lindy.perry@ncsuvt.org
If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 Testing Program reach out to your school nurse, school principal or me directly.
Sincerely,
John A. Castle
NCSU Superintendent of Schools
September 24, 2021
Greetings North Country Supervisory Union Staff and Families,
As you know, our community is experiencing high levels of COVID cases. Subsequently, several of our schools have had many positive cases and identified a high number of close contacts. We have many classes that have had to pivot to remote instruction and Derby and Newport City Elementary Schools will continue remote through part of next week. Schools are instituting increased mitigation efforts to reduce the potential transmission of the virus in school. We ask all staff and families to remain vigilant in your efforts to diminish the spread of the virus.
Be Well!
John A. Castle
NCSU Superintendent of Schools
Reminders:
· If your child has any COVID like symptoms, they should stay home.
· If your child has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid outside of school, they need to quarantine.
· If your child tests positive, please contact the school as soon as you know.
· If your child tests positive, they need to quarantine and isolate from others.
· If your child is deemed a close contact by the school, and they have not been vaccinated, they need to quarantine. Fully vaccinated and asymptomatic students can return to school without testing—schools may ask for verification of vaccination.
· If your child has been exposed to someone who has tested positive or is a close contact, we encourage you to have them tested.
· Students must have a negative PCR test in order to return to school unless staying out the full quarantine period. Schools or the Department of Health will inform parents when their child can test.
· If your child is 12 or older, we encourage you to have your child vaccinated.
For more information, go to the NCSU website to access the COVID-19 Symptomatic & Positive Case Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school if you have questions.
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MCKINNEY-VENTO
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
IN ANY LANGUAGE, WE CAN HELP!
IS YOUR FAMILY...
- Doubled up with family or friends?
- Staying in a motel?
- Sleeping in a car or camper?
- Living in a shelter?
PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Please Read this Important Letter Concerning Back-to-School and Vaccinations.
Emergency Broadband Assistance Program for Families
Enrollment Opens May 12
If your family is struggling to afford the monthly cost of internet, the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program may be helpful. The EBB program is a $3.2 billion federal initiative to help lower the cost of high-speed internet for eligible households during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The EBB program will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible families. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price. Starting May 12, 2021 eligible households may enroll through an approved provider or by visiting the get emergency broadband web page. For more information on the program and the eligibility requirements, go to Consumer FAQ for Emergency Broadband Benefit | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov).
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