COVID-19 TESTING PROGRAM information sheet
We are pleased to offer an on-campus COVID-19 screening testing program. This weekly testing program is free and available to all Mackintosh students ages 4 and up, as well as teachers and staff. The goal of the program is to be able to identify COVID-19 cases quickly and early. Regular testing of non-symptomatic individuals can help us stop an outbreak before it happens, and ultimately help us keep Mackintosh open for in-person learning throughout the year.
Novir will manage our testing program through a partnership with the State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Novir staff will complete all of the testing and analysis. Mackintosh is requiring that Novir staff provide proof of vaccination. All staff will have also completed a background check. In order for this program to be effective, the CDPHE recommends at least 70% participation within a school community. We hope all families will consider signing up. More information about this program is included below:
Who will be tested?
Testing is open to all students (ages 4 and up) and staff, regardless of vaccination status.
How is the testing done?
Testing will occur once a week in the gym building. Students will be tested by a Novir employee in small groups by class. Tests take approximately three minutes per student. A Mackintosh staff member or parent volunteer will remain with students throughout the duration of the testing process.
What kind of test will students receive?
Students will receive a rapid antigen nasal swab test (currently Abbott BinaxNOW). This involves gently swabbing the inner part of the lower nostril. Students will not be tested using the longer swabs that reach higher into the nose. The test is not painful. This video shows how the test is performed.
How do I sign up for the program? Click here to register. Our organization code is C8648. Register yourself first, as the parent or guardian (head of household), then add your children (members of your household). PreK students who are 4 years or older should check “kindergarten” on the drop down box.
A student must be registered in order to participate in the program.
Keen Minds. Compassionate Hearts. Global Action. An International Baccalaureate World School
COVID-19 TESTING PROGRAM Information Sheet
How will I be notified of the results? Novir will share same-day results with parents via email and/or text, depending on what parents select on the registration form.
I missed the first week. Can I still sign up? Yes, students may register at any point for as long as Mackintosh participates in this program.
What if my child is absent on the day of testing?
There are no “make up” tests. Children who are absent on the day of testing will be tested the following week.
What if my child tests positive?
If your child tests positive, you will receive an email/text from Novir and we will call you to come pick up your child from school. We will then follow our normal quarantine and MackFLEX policies based on your child’s situation. Your child may be asked to follow up with a PCR test. Mackintosh staff will make every effort to keep test results confidential. No identifying information about a child’s testing status will ever be shared with other students or parents, and teachers will be informed only on a need-to-know basis.
How will you talk about the program with students? Teachers will be talking about the testing in homeroom classes. We will share that this is one of the many ways we work to keep children safe on campus. We will also share that not all children will be participating and that there are many reasons why a classmate may not be getting a test. Teachers will monitor closely to ensure that child discussions and interactions are positive and supportive regardless of whether a child is participating or not. We will also do our best to support children who may be registered but are afraid of the test itself. Please know that we will not force a reluctant child to be tested, even if they are registered. In such cases we will communicate with parents to come up with a plan for future weeks.
A testing perk! The state of Colorado is providing financial incentives to encourage participation in this program. All students will receive $25 for the first test they take, and $10 for each subsequent test. Students will receive this incentive money via a gift card that is mailed to their home address. More information is available here.
Keen Minds. Compassionate Hearts. Global Action. An International Baccalaureate World School