A Message from the Superintendent
Updated COVID-19 Testing Program Information (9/14/21)
Dear Families,
This message is a follow up to the September 3 communication regarding the District’s COVID-19 updated testing program for unvaccinated students. The District has more detailed information to share with you regarding testing, including answers to new frequently asked questions. We appreciate your patience as we manage evolving health guidance as directed by the local health department. Since the August 18 release of our Return-to-School Plan, we have received four substantive guidance changes.
The District hosted an informational webinar on Monday, September 13 to provide the parent community with information regarding the District’s COVID-19 testing program. We highly recommend you view the webinar recording here. The slides shared in the recording can be viewed here.
The District receives frequent updates from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) regarding mitigation and testing protocols. Due to the volume and sometimes contradictory nature of the updates, it is the District’s commitment to provide communication that is as timely and accurate as possible, in an effort to avoid misinformation.
Detailed information regarding the District’s COVID-19 testing program can be found starting on page 6 in the District 36 COVID-19 Testing Program section in the “Return-to-School Guide 2021-2022.” We host all information in the Guide so there is a single point of reference for information and updates, with the intent to minimize confusion as guidance frequently evolves. There is a quick link in the Guide to Frequently Asked Questions for testing. If, after reviewing the webinar and testing information, you have additional questions, please complete this form so we can update our FAQs regularly.
Covid-19 Testing Program Consent
Parents who have yet to provide consent for their student/s to participate in the District’s COVID-19 Testing program, can provide initial consent by clicking here. A hard copy consent/waiver will be sent home by Friday, September 17 via student backpacks for those who completed the initial form. No child will be tested until the school nurse has received signed copies of the consent forms. Providing consent to participate in the testing program includes both consent for the “Test to Stay” program, as well as the SHIELD Illinois screening program. Details regarding the two tests are included in the District 36 COVID-19 Testing Program section in the “Return-to-School Guide 2021-2022” as well as the webinar recording.
If you are interested in revoking consent to the District’s COVID-19 Testing program, please send an email to carolinhuh@winnetka36.org indicating your interest in revoking consent.
The District remains committed to providing the community with timely and accurate information.
Please note that public health guidance is dictated by IDPH & CCDPH, and it is apt to change frequently.
Thank you for reviewing these details.
Sincerely,
Dr. Trisha Kocanda
Superintendent