Dear KSD Student-Athletes and Parents,
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and Department of Health (DOH) are requiring specific COVID-19 testing twice a week for unvaccinated students participating in basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading. We want to assure the safety of ALL participants while engaging in identified “High Contact” sports or “High Aerosol” activities. The test will be available at school twice a week for unvaccinated athletes who have provided the required consent form. If your athlete is fully vaccinated, meaning it has been at least two weeks since their last dose, he/she does not have to participate in this required testing program. Please provide proof of vaccination while registering in Family ID or show proof to your school’s athletic office to be recorded. Please remember, if your student is symptomatic, they should not report to practice or games and must notify their coach who can provide further guidance.
In-Person Student Covid Testing:
Trained and validated staff will conduct a screening test for COVID-19 that provides results in 24 hours. The goal of this program is to identify asymptomatic cases of COVID-19, allowing the school to quickly respond by removing the individual before they can spread the virus on campus. Testing will be used alongside existing transmission prevention measures such as masking, physical distancing, improved ventilation, and good hand hygiene. These strategies help provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff.
In the event of a positive antigen test result, parents will be contacted immediately to pick up their student. Anyone who tests positive or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should follow up with their doctor or visit a local testing site for a confirmatory test. Your student-athlete will be provided with a handout that will give you more information.
If you choose to have your student participate in this testing program, you need to complete and sign the consent form no later than the first day of turnout.
Link to consent form: https://supreme.labsvc.net/patientportal/index.html?KENTISD
Testing Schedule:
Kent Meridian High School – Monday and Thursday – 1:30 – 4:30
Kentwood High School – Monday and Thursday – 2:30 – 4:30
Kentridge High School – Monday and Thursday – 2:30-4:30
Kentlake High School – Monday and Thursday – 2:30-4:30
Meridian Middle – Monday and Thursday – 3:00 – 5:00
Cedar Heights Middle – Tuesday and Friday – 3:00-5:00
Mattson Middle – Tuesday and Friday – 3:00 – 5:00
Meeker Middle – Tuesday and Friday – 3:00 – 5:00
Mill Creek Middle – Tuesday and Friday – 3:00 – 5:00
Northwood Middle School – Tuesday and Friday – 3:00 – 5:00
If any person has been identified as a close contact with someone with COVID-19 OR has any symptoms on testing day, we ask that they visit a health care provider or testing site rather than coming to the school for testing.
What happens with the information? How is my privacy protected?
The Kent School District’s testing staff and COVID site administrator will have access to the results. Test results will only be shared with the tested individual at the building site per HIPAA requirements. Also, according to requirements, any positive test results would be reported to the state and county departments of public health.
What do I do next if I show positive on this test?
Anyone who tests positive or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will be excluded from the training or competition based on state guidance and should follow up with their doctor or visit a local testing site for a confirmatory test. Your student athlete will receive a handout prepared by DOH with important information.
For more information about the requirements see HEALTHY WASHINGTON SPORT AND ACTIVITY GUIDELINES.
Interested in learning more about the Washington State Vaccine Program for children ages 16 and older? Click here.
If you have questions, please contact me to learn more.
Brian Smith
Kent School District
Director of Athletics & Activities