News from the District (9/3/21)
Information Regarding COVID-19 Testing & Communication
Important Information Regarding District 36 COVID-19 Testing Program
There have been a number of recent updates to the State’s testing program plans since the District last communicated to staff and families about an opportunity to “opt in” to on-site testing earlier in August.
The District is planning to roll out an on-site screening program for all unvaccinated students and staff. Please refer to the District's Return-to-School Guide 2021-2022 for all details on both BinaxNOW and SHIELD testing. The Guide includes further information on both tests and clarification on anticipated questions.
On-site testing will be in place for two primary reasons:
Provide a “Test-to-Stay” option for asymptomatic school-related close contacts (BinaxNOW) - currently in place
Provide a screening program to identify asymptomatic positives amongst our unvaccinated population (SHIELD Illinois) - in place by early October
Opting into on-site testing means you are opting into BOTH the “test to stay” program AND screening. **NEW** The Cook County Department of Public Health does not allow for an either/or option - a student MUST be enrolled in the screening testing in order to access “test to stay.”
Depending on your preference for your family, please follow instructions below accordingly:
YES - I PERMIT MY CHILD(REN) TO BE IN THE TESTING PROGRAM
Option 1: If you have already filled out this form to provide consent to have your child(ren) tested at school, you do not need to do anything further at this time.
Option 2: If you have not yet completed a form, please complete this form NO LATER than Wednesday, September 15. This is a hard deadline to ensure SHIELD can properly set up our account.
NO - I DO NOT PERMIT MY CHILD(REN) TO BE IN THE TESTING PROGRAM
There is nothing you need to complete. If your child is a close contact, they will adhere to relevant quarantine protocols for children not enrolled in the testing program (in quarantine for at least seven calendar days).
If you are unsure of whether you previously completed the form, please send a message to this email address: carolinhuh@winnetka36.org.
If you have further questions, please submit your inquiries via this form. Questions will be evaluated by theme and addressed as thoroughly as possible via a published FAQ document and a District 36 COVID-19 Testing Program Webinar on Monday, September 13 from 6:00-6:30 p.m.:
https://winnetka36.zoom.us/j/83027041725?pwd=Z2VWRlY0azk0RC9Ib2lscTdUai9Odz09
Passcode: Winnetka36
For those unable to participate, the Zoom recording of the webinar will be shared with families and staff on Tuesday, September 14.
Thank you for taking the time to review this information.
Revised Communication Plan for Positive COVID-19 Cases
In an effort to balance transparency and streamline communications, the District will implement a revised communication plan when an individual tests positive for Covid-19. The District will continue to send an immediate message to families in the impacted classroom(s) as well as alerting all families in the school. Rather than immediately sending the message to all District families, we will email a weekly case summary on Fridays. This revised communication plan will go into effect on Wednesday, September 8.