Parents and Guardians,
As we continue in-person learning this fall, the safety of our school community remains a top priority. Our county numbers are on the rise again and to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to help keep our students in school, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Department of Education is offering a free, optional COVID-19 testing program for students and staff within our school district.
The purpose of the Oklahoma Schools COVID-19 Prevention Program is to maximize in-person learning days and keep Oklahoma kids safely in the classroom. Children learn more effectively when they’re able to interface with their teachers and peers in person.
Participating in the program is optional, and requires permission from a parent or guardian. Allowing your child to participate can help us identify cases quickly and early, which can help us stop an outbreak before it happens. Regular testing will keep kids safe so they can remain in the classroom and continue to participate in all their normal activities this year. If you are concerned that your child may have been exposed or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, the testing is free, quick, and easy. A trained member of our school staff will oversee testing with rapid antigen tests that will take place regularly. Results will be shared with the student and parent or guardian through a secure system, which will protect your child’s private health information and test results.
The health and safety of our students are important to us, and we are extremely grateful to our committed families and staff who continue to show great flexibility and resilience.
Information will be sent home on the Monday following Thanksgiving break. It will contain guidance for opting in to the program, information about accessing your child's COVID test results, and a FAQ document. If you have questions regarding the Oklahoma Schools COVID-19 Prevention Program, please contact me.
Thank you for considering opting in and helping us with this initiative.
Sincerely,
Julie Bills