COVID-10 Rapid Tests - Important Information
Please report the test result using the following link: COVID-19 Result Reporting Form
The purpose of this is to share information about the plan for distribution of home self-administered COVID-19 rapid tests to all Lakewood staff and students. This letter is specific to our school, and if you have children who attend other MCPS schools, please look for communication about their test kits in the coming days.
We continue to work closely with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to assess the rising cases of COVID-19 within our school and community. It is important we be proactive and take necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff as we return to school. This letter outlines the enhanced mitigation strategies that will occur throughout the weeks ahead.
Our at-home test distribution date is today, Monday, January 10, 2022. See below for specific distribution details for our school.
**At-Home Rapid Test Distribution
Today, January 10, 2022, all students and staff who were present were given a kit of at-home rapid tests. Each kit contains one box with two tests and should be used for the same individual, regardless of vaccination status or presence of COVID-19 symptoms. Please ensure your student brings the test kit home and administers the first test this evening, tonight, Monday, January 10, 2022.
- STUDENTS WHO ARE ABSENT ON DISTRIBUTION DAY: Students who are not in school on January 10, 2022, may pick up a test Lakewood upon their return and complete the test that evening.
- STUDENTS ATTENDING THE MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY: Please contact the school to make arrangements to retrieve your student kit.
We will have a roster and attendance system to ensure all students and staff receive a test kit and will be reaching out directly to families who did not receive test kits on January 10, 2022.
The use of this test should not be delayed and is not a substitute for testing after large gatherings or travel. Instructions on how to use the tests are contained within the kit. It is a simple nasal swab that provides results in 15 minutes. These tests are for students and staff attending Lakewood only. They should not be used to test household members.
*Following the first test, if your student (or a staff member) tests positive they MUST isolate at home for 10 days regardless of vaccination status. Please report the test result using the following link: COVID-19 Result Reporting Form
*Both positive and negative test results should be reported. We ask that you please report your results by Friday, January 14, 2022.
**iHealth At-Home COVID-19 Testing:
Although we prefer that you use the link provided above, you may also contact the school directly to report a positive test result by emailing me at Debra_A_Berner@mcpsmd.org. Further information about virtual instruction will be provided should your child test positive on the rapid test.
**Say Yes to the Test Reminders
In addition to the distribution of at-home test kids, random samples of students with a consent form on file will continue to be tested as part of our weekly CIAN PCR testing. These students will also receive an at-home test kit. If you have not consented for your student to be tested, you may still Say Yes to the Test to allow them to participate in future testing opportunities:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus/random-testing.aspx
**Commitment to Health and Safety
We will continue to practice and remind all students and staff to adhere to MCPS and DHHS COVID-19 mitigation and safety procedures. We ask that you please support our efforts by practicing the same rules at home that we do in school:
- Do not come to school if sick. With Omicron variant COVID cases increasing, it is important to not report to school if your student has any signs of illness. In addition to the standard COVID symptoms (cough, fever, loss of taste and smell), signs of omicron include: sore or scratchy throat, running nose, headache, chills and body aches. If your child has any of these symptoms, please keep them home until it can be confirmed they do not have COVID-19.
- Wear an enhanced mask/face covering. All students and staff remain required to wear a mask while in school at all times, except while actively eating or drinking. Masks will continue to be available on-site for those that need them. MCPS is looking into options to make KN95 masks available for all students. Staff will begin receiving KN95 masks this week.
- Practice good hand and health hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, use hand sanitizer when soap and water is unavailable. Do not cough or sneeze around others or into your hands. Dispose of any tissue or items used for cough, sneezing or nasal use.
Thank you for your commitment to the health and safety of our staff, students, and families.
Sincerely,
Deb
Debra A. Berner, Principal
Lakewood ES