March 29, 2024

Dighton-Rehoboth Releases Guidance on Covid Testing

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The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District has sent out guidelines to parents regarding what actions they should take if their child tests positive for Covid-19. In a September 21 letter, D-R Superintendent Anthony Azar outlined the challenges the district faces due to the ongoing pandemic. “As we navigate these early school days, we must continue to monitor and respond to current health conditions,” Azar said. “Utilizing health and safety protocols to ensure students can stay in school learning and connected to others is critical for a productive year. With the appropriate health and safety measures in place, we can successfully address learning and provide appropriate social emotional support to students.” Azar noted in order for the district “to facilitate our ability to screen your child/student for COVID 19 should your child present with symptomatic concerns, parental permission needs to be on file.”

There was also a link to a survey. “We are asking you to provide important input regarding the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds,” Azar explained. “The American Rescue Plan was enacted on March 11, 2021 and provides additional funds for school districts to respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In order for the district to receive these funds, the district must consult with key stakeholder groups to help us set priorities on how best to utilize these funds.”

Jeff Riley, the Commissioner for The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and Margret Cooke, Acting Commissioner for the Department of Public Health, issued a letter to school superintendents on August 13. It reads in part:

“The Test and Stay program is a testing initiative intended for asymptomatic close contacts of individuals with confirmed COVID-19. This testing program will allow asymptomatic close contacts to remain in school if they receive an individual rapid antigen test (e.g. BinaxNOW) each school day and test negative, as well as follow other guidelines. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Public Health continue to strongly recommend that all faculty, staff, and eligible students receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”

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