Message from the Superintendent
January 6, 2022
In an effort to reduce COVID-19 transmission in schools as the Omicron variant surges nationwide, the California Department of Public Health is making free at-home COVID-19 testing kits available to local families.
At this time, Orange Unified has received 8,000 antigen tests (each high school site will have 2,000 to distribute). These will be available on a first-come-first-served basis for pick up and voluntary use for students. Ideally, students should test on Friday, January 7, and again on Sunday, January 9. This will allow each student to be tested twice before returning to school from winter break on January 10.
Information regarding how and when to pick up a test kit for your student(s) is outlined below. But first, we want to call attention to a couple of key points:
- There is no statewide testing mandate for students returning to school. The CDPH says its efforts are intended to increase testing access to TK-12 students.
- There is no cost to families. The tests have been purchased by the California Department of Public Health with funds provided by the federal government to support testing in schools.
The state has developed flyers in English and Spanish that explain when to test your child and what steps to take if a positive test result is obtained. More information can be found on the CDPH website.
How to pick up your free COVID-19 testing kit
On Friday, January 7, from 8:00 AM -11:00 AM, families can pick up antigen tests by driving through Canyon, El Modena, Orange, or Villa Park High School’s lots as shown in the images below. Tests will also be available for pick up on Saturday, January 8, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM if supplies allow. Before entering the school parking lot, the OUSD Test Kit Verification Card (below) must be completed (identifying your student’s name, school site, and their 6 digit ID number).
In addition to the at-home antigen tests, Living Fit Nation is providing in-person PCR testing this Friday, January 7, at Canyon High, El Modena High, Villa Park High, Orange High, and the Orange Unified School District Office from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, and Monday through Thursdays between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. You can register online at https://apps.livingfitnation.com/covid/registration?q=ZC128mzcc9lFeeoTzoXp3w%3D%3D
While COVID-19 tests are not mandatory for returning students, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity for a little extra peace of mind as we navigate this stage of the pandemic. Moreover, the steps we take together can help ensure the safest possible learning environment for our students.
Canyon High School (drive through off Imperial Hwy.)
Villa Park High School (drive through off Taft Ave.)
Please be sure to upload the test results by following the directions on the following link: https://my.primary.health/l/caschools
Connect with Us
Email: communications@orangeusd.org
Website: www.orangeusd.org
Location: 1401 North Handy Street, Orange, CA, USA
Phone: 714-628-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeUnifiedSchoolDistrictCA
Twitter: @orangeunifiedCA
We invite you to take a moment to follow Orange Unified on social media to receive the District’s latest news and announcements. Social media may also be a critical line of communication during emergencies and will be an excellent place for you to get up to date information: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube