- Ashland Public Schools
- COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Testing
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Testing is one of our most important tools for mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
We strongly encourage all students and staff to get tested if they have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status. Symptoms may include a new onset cough, scratchy throat, sneezing, runny nose or congestion, muscle aches, tiredness, fever, or a new loss of taste or smell. If your child develops any symptoms, they should stay home from school and get tested for COVID-19.
Low or no-cost COVID-19 tests are available:
- Click here to schedule an appointment at the testing site at Ashland's commuter rail station.
- Find an appointment-only or a walk-in location anywhere across the Commonwealth at mass.gov/GetTested.
- Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests by visiting COVIDTests.gov. While orders will usually ship in 7-12 days, you may order now so you have them when you need them.
- Self-tests can be purchased online or in pharmacies and retail stores.
- Contact your health care provider for testing options.
At-Home Testing Program
Ashland Public School has officially opted to participate in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's at-home testing program to increase testing opportunities for students and staff, regardless of vaccination status. Participating students and staff will receive a test kit containing two tests every two weeks. Participants must test weekly on Tuesday before school according to the instructions included with the testing kit and outlined below:
- Click here for a full “how-to” written guide in various languages.
- Click here for a video of an individual self-testing.
Please inform your child's school nurse of your child’s test results or if your child is awaiting results before sending them back to school.
If a participating student or staff member tests positive, it must be reported to their school nurse by 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
If you have any questions regarding the At-Home Testing Program, contact your child's school nurse.
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How can staff or students opt-in to the at-home testing program?
We are still accepting participants for the at-home testing program. As a reminder, here are the program stipulations:
Participants must be tested weekly on Tuesday morning before coming to school according to the instructions included with the testing kit.
If a participant tests positive, they must stay home, and the positive result must be reported to the school nurse by 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
The test kits will be distributed directly to the participant every two weeks. Each test kit includes two tests.
For students to opt-in to this program, parents must fill out this form.
Employees can sign up here.
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What should I do if my child or a member of my household tests positive at home (with or without symptoms) or it's believed someone in the household may have COVID-19?
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What if an individual has mild symptoms but has not been able to get a test?
- A student with ANY symptoms of COVID-19 must stay home. Please call your school nurse if your child is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
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How can I consent for my student to participate in symptomatic testing?
- APS has implemented symptomatic testing for students. If your child becomes ill at school, the school nurse has the ability to perform a rapid COVID test while waiting awaiting pick up for ill students. In order for the nurse to perform the test, parents/guardians must provide consent for testing through the CIC website.
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What is the plan for testing?
- Ill students will be tested at school prior to their dismissal if parents have provided consent for testing through the CIC website.