December 22, 2020
Dear Parents,
As communicated with you yesterday, our COVID-19 testing program will begin immediately after the school break. Please read this letter in its entirety for some important school calendar adjustments we are making to protect the health and safety of our students and staff as we head into the new year.
Testing Overview
The Mamaroneck School District Testing Program will be an important component of our health and safety plan. It is safe, free and easy for everyone. Conducting "gateway" testing of more than 900 staff members and 4,500 students at the start of the new year -- and then continuing with random maintenance surveillance testing in the weeks to follow -- is a proactive measure that will help us minimize risk of exposure, protect students and staff and provide a more sustainable approach to keeping our schools open.
We encourage all staff and students who are enrolled in our hybrid learning model to participate in the testing program, with the exception of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Please note: It is critical that you continue to follow all State requirements for testing and quarantine if you will be traveling over the break and inform the District should you test positive for COVID-19.
Testing Process - Test Kit Distribution Day is Wednesday, Jan. 6
- First "Gateway" Round of non-invasive, saliva-based testing to be conducted Thurs., January 7 & Fri., January 8 (At-home self-administered testing is the District's preferred method; however, the option to test on site at school also is available.)
- Test sample drop-off dates are Thurs., Jan. 7 & Fri., Jan. 8
STEP 1 Wed., January 6: COVID-19 Test Kit Distribution Day for All Staff and Students Enrolled in Hybrid Learning Pick up your at-home saliva-based self-administered COVID-19 PCR test kit(s)for each registered student in your home at your home elementary school location (where you would go to vote) between 8 am and 4 pm. Pick up for the whole family at this one location.
STEP 2 Thurs., January 7 or Fri., January 8: Conduct the Test/Collect Saliva Sample at Home Watch a short how-to instructional video by one of our Murray Ave. School 1st graders. This video, plus printed instructions and additional info can be found on the District website.
STEP 3 Drop the test sample(s) off Thursday (Jan. 7) or Friday (Jan. 8) 8 am-4 pm at any school.
You can read more about how Mirimus Labs conducts pooled testing here. I want to reiterate that privacy is of utmost concern. All test results will remain confidential, with federal and state privacy laws being followed.
On-Site Testing at School Available as Alternative Option On-site testing will be available if you prefer not to conduct your test at home. Testing will be available 8 am-4 pm on both Thursday, Jan. at all six Mamaroneck schools, with all students and staff being assigned alphabetically to a testing time slot/window.
Private Testing Also a Choice, but Must Be PCR Test Done on Designated Days If you have opted out of the school-based testing program, private PCR testing will be accepted as long as the test is conducted on Jan. 7 or Jan. 8, with results submitted to the District prior to arrival at school for in-person learning on Jan. 11. SCHOOL CALENDAR ADJUSTMENTS
* All academic instruction Tuesday, January 5 through Friday, January 8, 2021 will take place fully remote. * We are rescheduling the elementary and Hommocks planning day that was originally scheduled for Jan 15. The planning day will now take place on Jan 8th. (This means that Friday, Jan. 8 will include asynchronous learning for designated cohorts at the elementary schools and middle school. More detail forthcoming from individual schools.)
* The Focus Friday that was originally scheduled for Jan 15 will be moved to this same day - Jan. 8.
Once again, I want to thank everyone for your patience and cooperation during this challenging time and take this opportunity to wish you and your family many joyful moments this holiday break.
Respectfully,
Dr. Robert I. Shaps Superintendent of Schools |