Paducah Public Schools Families,
I want to thank you, along with our students, faculty and staff, for all that you have done to help with the successful launch of our Test to Stay Program. Now that Test to Stay is underway, I am happy to announce that we are ready to expand the program to include the provision of testing students who want to participate in school-based extracurricular activities, including athletics.
The Test to Play program will be available to students beginning Tuesday, October 12, 2021.
The Test to Stay + Test to Play programs, which follow guidance from the Purchase Area Health Department, allow students to attend school and participate in school-based extracurricular activities even if they have been exposed to COVID-19 at school if they meet the following criteria:
- The student’s parent signs a testing consent form and brings the student to school each morning to the designated testing area.
- Show no symptoms
- Wear a mask indoors at school
- Have been exposed to COVID-19 at school only
- Quarantine when not at school
- Test negative daily
Students testing negative may ride the bus home in the afternoon.
For extracurricular contact sports, the student-athletes will take an additional COVID-19 test prior to an athletic contest and must wear a mask while not actively engaged in the contest.
Additional information and supporting documents for Test to Stay can be found here.
Participation in the program is voluntary. Parents may choose not to have their child tested. In that situation, your child will be required to quarantine at home and instruction will be provided for the student during the quarantine period.
Participation in Test to Stay + Test to Play is not required for students who are vaccinated or who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
If your child is exposed at school, you will be contacted by school personnel to explain the Test to Stay + Test to Play program and discuss the location and time your child needs to arrive at school. All testing is done at school and is free.
Dr. Donald Shively, Superintendent, Paducah Public Schools