COVID Testing Program
UPDATED INFORMATION: USD 350 is making available the COVID test for all community members in addition to staff and students. Anyone with symptoms can contact Nurse Lisa (549-3518) to schedule an appointment during regularly scheduled school days. Individuals will park near the elementary office and remain in the vehicle for the test to be administered. See more details below.
Attention USD 350 Parents:
The St. John-Hudson School District is part of a COVID testing pilot program with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). We now have the capability to give COVID tests here at our school to students and staff that are showing symptoms. There is no fee for the test and parent permission is required.
Particularly during this time of year, we see a lot of sickness with students and staff. When anyone has symptoms, there is always a concern that it could be COVID. If someone has two symptoms, we generally suspect it is COVID and require the individual to stay home for 10 days. If there is a negative COVID test, we can allow that individual to return to school as we would in a normal year (i.e. 24 hours with no fever). Rather than sending students to their doctor, we can do the testing here at school.
This is a rapid test that is administered by the school nurse and results are known in about 15 minutes. This test is done with a short swab. If an individual tests positive, he or she will have to isolate and be given another COVID-19 test within 48 hours. That test can also be given at school and will be sent to the state lab for testing or you are free to see your medical provider. This second test is done with the longer swab and is considered more accurate than the rapid test. The results of this second test will be known in 2-3 days.
The results of the tests will be reported to KDHE and the local health department. Again, these tests are not mandatory and will only be done at the request of the parent. The tests are only available for school staff and students, and cannot be given to the general public. In addition to keeping the virus out of our schools, we see this as a service to families to save a trip to the doctor’s office for a test.
Click the link below to download a permission form. Please contact the office with any questions or concerns.
