BWRSD Community Update 1/22/21
Message from Jonathan Brice, Superintendent of Schools
Contents of this Update:
Monday, January 25th - Statewide Teacher Professional Development/Student Virtual Learning Day
Binex Testing in Schools
1. Monday, January 25th - Statewide Teacher Professional Development/Student Virtual Learning Day
This is a reminder that Monday, January 25, is a staff Professional Development day and Virtual Learning day for students.
During Professional Development/Virtual Learning days, teachers are participating in training sessions and will not be conducting lessons. All students will be provided assignments to work on independently that must be completed by the due date provided by the teacher. These assignments involve practice, reinforcement, or application of previously learned skills and content. In some cases, teachers may give a multi-day assignment/project. Please see information sent by your school administrators regarding specific information for student & teacher expectations for Teacher Professional Development Days/Student Virtual Learning Days.
2. Binax Testing in Schools
The Bristol Warren Regional School District (BWRSD) takes the health and safety of our students and their families very seriously. As such, in addition to screening protocols, and mask and social distancing requirements, we are adding a voluntary K-12 COVID-19 testing program for students and staff. This program uses BinaxNOW tests provided by the federal government. Testing will only be completed with parent/guardian (for students) or staff consent. A COVID-19 Testing Consent Form is located in Aspen under the “Tasks'' widget area (similar to the “Covid Daily Student/Staff Screening”). This Consent Form only needs to be completed once for parents/guardians and staff to agree to periodic testing for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. This testing is required for all student athletes and coaches. It is optional, but strongly encouraged for all other students and staff to help us keep our schools as healthy and safe as possible.
What is the test?
The BinaxNOW COVID-19 test involves using a swab placed inside the tip of the nose to collect a specimen for testing. For students under the age of 12, a trained COVID-19 test facilitator will conduct the swab test. Students ages 12 and older will be assisted through the process by a trained test facilitator. Students athletes and coaches will be tested weekly, beginning next week. All other students and staff will be tested once every 1-2 weeks beginning the first two weeks in February.
Staff or parents/guardians will only be notified by the school nurse if there is a positive test result. Results will then be reported to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). Students who test positive will be immediately taken to an isolation room and parents/guardians will be notified to pick up the student within the hour. Parents/guardians should contact their primary care physician, and schedule a test at K-12 portal.ri.gov. Staff who test positive will immediately be sent home and should also contact their primary care physician and schedule a test at K-12 portal.ri.gov.
The BinaxNOW test is only for individuals who are asymptomatic (not showing symptoms). Staff or students who are exhibiting any of symptoms COVID-19 should remain home, contact their primary care physician, and schedule a test at K-12 portal.ri.gov.
Disclaimer:
While we realize precautions will be taken for the safety of students, please understand that neither the test facilitator nor the BWRSD, nor any of its committee members, officers, or employees are liable for any accident or injuries that may occur to your child or yourself (if you are a student age 18 or older), as a result of agreeing to the test.
Bristol Warren Regional School District
Website: www.bwrsd.org
Location: 151 State Street, Bristol, RI USA
Phone: 401-253-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BristolWarrenSchools