Dear Parent/Guardian

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have been working with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and will offer free rapid COVID-19 testing for symptomatic teachers, staff, and students participating in any type of in-person learning. The purpose of this letter is to provide information about the Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen test and ask for permission to test.

Students and staff should not come to school if they are having symptoms to obtain a COVID-19 rapid test. They should continue to do the daily pre-screening checklist and stay home if they have any possible COVID-19 symptoms. While we have asked all students, teachers, and staff who are sick to stay home, there may be times when someone first develops symptoms while in school. The Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen test provides results in 15 minutes and can be used for early detection of COVID-19. This test option is not considered diagnostic and does not replace a PCR test or medical evaluation.  A PCR test is still required to confirm that the child does or does not have COVID-19. However, testing will allow us to respond quickly to a positive case.

Our school nursing staff has been trained on how to administer the test using a nasal swab. The decision to administer the test will be made by the school nurse, and discussion will occur with the parent before your child is tested. If you have questions, please contact your school nurse.

Gorman Fort Banks Elementary School - Nancy Feeley... nfeeley@winthrop.k12.ma.us
Arthur T Cummings Elementary School - Carol Benson...cbenson@winthrop.k12.ma.us
Winthrop Middle School - Tara Beuoy... tbeuoy@winthrop.k12.ma.us
Winthrop High School - Virginia Pittman... vpittman@winthrop.k12.ma.us

By completing and submitting this form, I confirm that I am the appropriate parent/guardian to provide consent, and that I authorize the administration of a COVID-19 antigen test on my student during school hours, should school staff observe symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or isolated symptoms (e.g., isolated runny nose, isolated headache, or isolated abdominal pain without fever). I understand that authorizing a COVID-19 test for my student is optional and that I can refuse to give this authorization, in which case, my student will not be tested. I further understand that my student must stay home if feeling unwell.