Dear Parent/Guardian,
The San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District (SFDRCISD) takes the health and safety of our students and their families very seriously. As such, in addition to the steps we are presently taking to screen for COVID-19, SFDRCISD will be participating in a state-wide voluntary K-12 COVID-19 testing program for students. The goal of this effort is to prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading to others on campus.
What is a COVID Rapid Test?
If your son/daughter is part of a group that is designated for testing, your child is eligible to receive a free COVID antigen screening test using the BinaxNOW Rapid test by Abbott Laboratores. This test, also known as a rapid antigen test, identifies the COVID-19 virus by detecting the proteins from the virus.
The COVID Rapid Tests is a screening tool which can help schools quickly respond to cases. It identifies the likelihood that a person may have an active COVID-19 infection. It is not intended to replace the COVID PCR test.
If you provide consent, then a specimen will be collected. Testing involves using a swab, similar to a Q-Tip, placed inside the tip of the nose. A school nurse or trained administrator will collect the specimen and read the results. Test results will be made available to the parent/guardian who provides authorization on the attached form. The results will be sent by text message and emailed within 24 hours of the test. Please note that this program is entirely optional for students, although we hope you choose to have the test to identify any potential risk of COVID-19, and keep our schools as healthy & safe as possible.
What should I do when I receive my child’s test results?
If your son/daughter tests positive for the virus, we ask that you contact your child’s doctor or licensed health care provider for further evaluation and care. He/she and everyone living in his/her immediate household must remain at home under quarantine until he/she is released by the Val Verde County Health Authority.
If your child’s test results are negative, the virus was not found in the specimen tested and your child may continue to attend school without interruption. However, if your child tests negative, but has symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have concerns about your child’s exposure to COVID-19, your son/daughter may be required to quarantine by the Val Verde County Health Authority. You should call your child’s doctor or licensed health care provider for further evaluation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Health Services Department at (830) 778-4108.
Sincerely,
Melissa Padilla-Limon BSN-RN
SFDRCISD Health Services Coordinator
K-12 COVID-19 Project Testing Coordinator
