10/07/2021
Good afternoon,
Recently, Nippersink SD 2 has obtained the ability to perform rapid antigen Covid-19 testing in our schools. This is an important step forward in meeting the latest requirement from the IDPH/MCDH of accepting only Covid-19 tests results from those tests done in the school.
The ability to now test those students who are designated as close contacts means we will be able to significantly reduce the number of students being excluded from school. Students who would normally be facing a 10 to 14-day exclusion can now have the potential to stay in school, pending they remain symptom free and test negative on days 1, 3, 5 and 7.
Students eligible for the Test to Stay Program will have the rapid antigen test administered by our school nurses. Rapid antigen testing will only occur after receiving the direct consent of the parent or guardian. This testing is not required and there could be other options you as a parent prefer. For a look at all exclusion options for reducing the number of days students can be excluded from school please click on the provided link above.
The Covid-19 tab on our website will also provide you with the most up to date information regarding the latest mitigations, student exclusion options, and current cases and quarantine numbers in each school within Nippersink SD 2 and Richmond-Burton CHSD 157 District.
I also want to personally thank the entire community for continuing to support our students, staff and schools. Although we face ever changing circumstances and new mandates on a regular basis, our schools are once again full of students learning and developing those important relationships with peers and teachers. Good things continue to happen every day in our schools!
Best Regards,
Dr. Tom Lind, Superintendent