Virtual Pooled Testing Info Night - Tonight and Tomorrow

Categories: Academy Hill, Campus, Cape Cod Hill, Cascade Brook, District, G.D. Cushing, High School, Middle School, W.G. Mallett

September 1, 2021

September 1, 2021

Pooled Testing Informational Night

RSU 9 is hosting two virtual family and staff Q and A nights for pooled testing:

Additional resources on pooled testing: Pooling Overview, Pooled Testing Vendor, Pooled Testing Resource for Schools and Districts

All participants in the schools’ pooled testing program must “opt-in”. If you or your student is interested in opting into pooled testing, please complete this survey. We will share consent forms with all that sign up. Participants can opt out at any time.

Pooled testing is one of our risk-reducing strategies to help our students and staff stay in school and participate in sports and extracurricular activities. 

What is pooled testing?

  • A group of students or staff who wish to participate are tested as a “pool” on a weekly basis. 
  • If there is no positive test, then all in the pool are determined to be COVID-free. 
  • If a positive case shows up in the “pool”, each person is then tested again, and the person(s) who test positive will then be expected to quarantine.
  • All others in the pool will not quarantine unless they have symptoms. 

What are the benefits of pooled testing?

  • The ongoing testing allows for early detection of the virus and, therefore reduces the likelihood of spread within the wider school community. 
  • There is a reduced need for quarantine. Pooled testing participants are not required to quarantine if there is exposure within a classroom at school where the distance of 3 ft or more has been maintained.  

 We look forward to seeing you at either ZOOM Mtg.

Christian Elkington, Superintendent and Laura Columbia, Director of Curriculum

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