Dear WBPS Families,
Earlier this week Commissioner Riley and Gov. Baker announced new testing options for all Massachusetts districts to assist schools as the demands and timeliness of contact tracing have mounted. The new voluntary option provides rapid antigen at-home tests for all participating staff and students that can be used weekly. Additionally, while symptomatic testing at both buildings will continue with CIC Health, under this option Test and Stay and individual contact tracing for in-school exposures would cease as of January 31.
Administration and district nursing staff have met to review and discuss how to best proceed with the latest option. Discussions have also ensued with the School Committee and WB Board of Health. Collectively we believe that the latest option is best suited to meet the current needs of our schools.
Again, this is a voluntary option available to all. Opt-in/out forms will be shared early next week as districts will need to report to DESE the number of participating students by January 28. Details regarding distribution of test kits for Major Edwards and the Middle High School will also be shared at that time.
Thank you, Richard Meagher