School districts in NYS are required to offer COVID-19 testing per the NYS Department of Health.  First, districts must offer Surveillance Testing to unvaccinated students.  Second, districts must have the capacity to provide diagnostic (Point of Care) testing to all students who are exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms regardless of vaccination status.  The decision to be tested for both Surveillance and Point of Care Testing is up to the parents/guardians of the child and students can only be tested if parent/guardian consent is given.  The funds for these programs came from the Federal government through the NYS Department of Health to our local health department.  

Surveillance Testing

Surveillance Testing will be conducted by a team of nurses who are employed by Questar III BOCES. If you provide consent, then the testing of your child will take place at your child's school.  In order to make the program run as efficiently as possible and to minimize the number of guests in the school, parents/guardians will not be allowed to be present when their child is actually tested.  

If you consent, your child will receive a free screening test for the COVID-19 virus.   A rapid Abbott BINAX Now COVID-19 test (fact sheet is included at the end of this form) will be used, which will involve inserting a small swab, similar to a Q-Tip, into each nostril of the nose.  You will be notified if your child tests positive for COVID-19.  Any students who test positive will be sent home and must be kept at home until meeting the County's criteria to return to school. Please contact your child’s doctor immediately to review the test results should your child test positive for COVID-19.  

Point of Care Testing

The Point of Care Testing will be done by APCSD nurses. If you provide consent, then the testing of your child will take place at your child's school.  Testing will be administered if your child is displaying COVID-19 related symptoms.  If you consent, your child will receive a free diagnostic test for the COVID-19 virus.   A rapid Abbott ID Now COVID-19 test (fact sheet is included at the end of this form) will be used, which will involve inserting a small swab, similar to a Q-Tip, into each nostril of the nose.  You will be notified if your child tests positive for COVID-19.  Any students who test positive will be sent home and must be kept at home until meeting the County's criteria to return to school. Please contact your child’s doctor immediately to review the test results should your child test positive for COVID-19.

Surveillance and Point of Care Testing

Both forms of testing are strictly voluntary and no one will be excluded from school because they choose not to be tested.  You do NOT need to complete this form if you do NOT want your child tested. Please complete the form only if you want your child tested for Surveillance and/or Point of Care Testing.  

NOTE: If you have more than one child who you want to have tested, please complete the form for each child.