January 13, 2022
Dear Mansfield Families,
We received word last evening that our second shipment of test kits for staff and students will be available for pick-up tomorrow (Friday). Given the upcoming long weekend, we would like to distribute these kits right away.
These tests are intended to help further protect staff, children, and families. The rapid home tests are to be used to screen those who are symptomatic to determine who should not be present in school. CSDE has specified three needs to be addressed by use of the kits. They include:
- Screening a child or staff member who exhibits symptoms for COVID-19
- Screening a child or staff member who has experienced direct exposure to an individual with COVID-19
- For use when a class or program is experiencing multiple cases of COVID-19 and students in that classroom or program are having difficulty accessing tests.
The test kits received provide two tests per kit. They are for use with children over the age of 2. Those with symptoms of COVID-19 are instructed to use one test. It is suggested that those without symptoms who have experienced an exposure may need to test more than once beginning on day 5 after the exposure. Children who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus in the last 90 days do not need to test.
It is our goal to ensure that every family has access to a kit when needed. IF YOU DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE A KIT AT HOME, you may request a kit using the form below. We will keep a collection of kits at the school to distribute on an as needed basis in the future. Please also note that we are distributing kits for Mansfield Public School students in grades PreK-8. High school aged children should get their kits from EO Smith.
Test kits may be obtained by completing the request form found here:
https://forms.gle/nmB4yWsnUSK5n22M7.
Please complete only one form per family. Tests will be sent home with your child.
As a reminder, if your child exhibits any symptoms of COVID-19, they must stay home from school. Use the test kits as a screening tool. If the test is positive, notify the school. If the test is negative, seek a PCR test through a testing site or medical provider. Keep your child home until their symptoms have subsided and they are fever free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours. If any member of the household tests positive, all other members should be considered close contacts. Individuals who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine but should avoid further contact with the COVID-positive family member. Individuals not fully vaccinated must quarantine per instructions from the school nurse or health department official. Close contacts should test on five days after contact.
If you have further questions, please reach out to your child’s school health office.
Sincerely,
Kelly M. Lyman
Superintendent of Schools