Carson Chronicles- Special Edition
November 18, 2022- Rachel Carson Elementary School
Dear Rachel Carson Elementary School Community,
We know many of our families will spend time over the Thanksgiving break traveling, visiting with friends and family, and engaging in fun community activities. As these activities possibly involve a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19, MCPS is distributing at-home rapid test kits to students and staff prior to the break.
Testing is an important way to identify individuals actively positive for COVID-19 who should temporarily isolate in order to prevent further transmission and keep our school community as healthy as possible. Testing is not mandatory. We are depending on our staff and families to consider their exposure risk and test and report positive results accordingly.
Please note that schools will receive a new type of test kit, made by InteliSwab. Video instructions for InteliSwab can be found here in English and Spanish and here for other test kit types. Please note that the InteliSwab test takes 30 minutes for results. Test kits should be used for staff and students. For other family members, free rapid test kits are also available at most public library locations.
What do I do if the rapid test is positive?
Please report positive tests for staff or students on the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form. Individuals who have a positive COVID-19 test will need to follow CDC guidelines for isolation.
What do I do if the rapid test is negative?
Negative test results do not need to be reported.
Please remember that non-COVID respiratory infections like influenza and RSV are also circulating in our community. Healthy habits, including isolating when sick, good handwashing, and covering coughs and sneezes help prevent illness. COVID-19 and influenza vaccination are available for free for Montgomery County residents.
Thank you in advance for doing your part to keep our community safe.
Sincerely,
Mindy Reeves
Principal
Principal Reeves
Email: Mindy_D_Reeves@mcpsmd.org
Location: 100 Tschiffely Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-1840
Twitter: @RCESPrincipal