What standardized assessments are being delivered in spring of 2021?
English Language Arts and Mathematics
Are student athletes required to be tested?
HCPSS will offer free weekly self-collection, saliva-based PCR tests to students participating in organized school sports or club activities for surveillance testing. The COVID-19 Testing Program is voluntary and consent is required for all students.
What happens if I/my child tests negative on the rapid antigen test?
Update: Aug. 27, 2022
Update: Aug. 27, 2022
Students or staff who exhibit COVID-like symptoms at school will be directed to visit the school’s health room.
For students, if a parent/guardian has provided consent, the student will receive a rapid COVID test, then:
What happens if my child tests positive on the rapid antigen test?
Update: Aug. 27, 2022
Students or staff who exhibit COVID-like symptoms at school will be directed to visit the school’s health room.
For students, if a parent/guardian has provided consent, the student will receive a rapid COVID test, then:
Why is HCPSS implementing a COVID-19 Testing Program?
Update: July 13, 2021
Who will have access to COVID-19 test results?
Update: Aug. 27, 2022
By providing consent, you are consenting to sharing test results with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Howard County Health Department (HCHD) for contact tracing purposes only. Disclosure of this information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act* and requires your consent before it can be shared.
Rapid antigen test results will be entered into the Chesapeake Regional Information System for Patients (CRISP) for MDH and HCHD to view.
How can I provide consent for COVID testing for myself/my child?
Full details on providing consent are available online.
For students under age 18, parents/guardians can provide consent by completing the following steps:
Are students required to take a COVID-19 test in school?
The COVID-19 Testing Program is voluntary and consent is required. If a school-based staff member or student develops COVID-like illness or are identified as close contacts while they are in a school building, they will be sent home regardless of whether or not they consent to the test.
What is the difference between an antigen test and a PCR test?
An antigen test is frequently referred to as a rapid test. This test detects protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. Turnaround time for results is usually very quick and in some cases, results can be reported within 15 minutes.
What is HCPSS’ COVID-19 Testing Program?
Update: Aug. 27, 2022
HCPSS is offering a voluntary K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program that will provide free COVID-19 tests for students and school-based staff who develop COVID-like symptoms while they are in a school building. Parents/guardians should not send their children to school, and staff should not report to work if they are presenting COVID-like symptoms.
The program includes two components: