This is a follow up to the message we sent last week about at-home COVID-19 test kits that New York State is making available to schools statewide. These test kits were delivered to our local BOCES over the weekend and are currently being distributed to each of our schools.
State and local health officials are providing these tests as a resource to schools and families. The purpose of the tests is to monitor the spread of COVID-19 within our community as part of the ongoing effort to keep our school buildings open for in-person instruction. Tests can be utilized whether or not a student is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
One at-home COVID-19 test kit per Watervliet City School District student will be available for families to pick up at the main entrance of Watervliet Elementary School or Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School this week (January 3-7) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Parents or guardians will be asked to sign a form when picking up the test kits.
UPDATE: Additional pick-up time scheduled for parents and guardians to pick up test kits (one per student) on Tuesday, Jan. 4 from 5-7 p.m. at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School.
Any additional tests will be kept in our school health offices to test symptomatic students with parent/guardian permission, or for surveillance testing to keep students and staff in school safely.
Report positive test results
Please note that any positive test results from an at-home test must be reported to the local health department and to your school nurse (at the phone numbers listed below). To report a positive test result to Albany County, visit https://forms.albanycounty.com/Forms/dcu8G and follow the directions provided.
- Watervliet Elementary School: Sue Vogel, nurse 518-629-3402
- Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School: Rachel Thomas, nurse 518-629-3304
Reminder about health and safety protocols
Please remember that if your child has any symptoms of COVID-19, they should be tested at home using a rapid test, or at a clinic, doctor’s office or a testing site. Anyone with a positive test result should isolate and contact the Albany County Department of Health. Please visit the Albany County Department of Health website for more information on testing, quarantine and isolation.
Given that the omicron variant is highly contagious, it is essential that students continue to wear masks consistently and properly when in school. As always anyone who is not feeling well should stay home from school, consistent with our health and safety protocols.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work to keep our students in school. If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 testing or other health and safety protocols, please do not hesitate to contact Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald Stevens by email: dstevens@vlietschools.org, or call 518-629-3201.
(This message was shared with WCSD families via One Call Now email on Jan. 3, 2022)