COVID-19 Testing
Students in grades K-12 will be tested weekly through a batch process that is easy and minimally invasive. Families may opt their student(s) out from testing.
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Type of Test: Batch Testing
Batch testing—sometimes referred to as pooling or pooled testing—means combining respiratory samples from several people and conducting one laboratory test on the combined pool of samples to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The test provider that is currently being used is CIC Health.
Batch Testing Schedule
Monday: Bothell High School/Adults Transitioning to Independence Program, Innovation Lab High School, Secondary Academy for Success/Adult Transition Pathways Program, Canyon Creek, Canyon Park Middle School, Crystal Springs, Frank Love, Maywood Hills, Shelton View, Skyview Middle School, Westhill
Tuesday: Inglemoor High School, Kenmore Middle School, Northshore Middle School, Arrowhead, Kenmore Elementary, Lockwood, Moorlands, Woodmoor
Wednesday: North Creek High School, Leota Middle School, Fernwood, Kokanee, Ruby Bridges, Wellington, Woodinville High School, Timbercrest Middle School, Cottage Lake, East Ridge, Hollywood Hill, Northshore Networks, Northshore Family Partnership, Sunrise, Woodin
Batch Testing Process
The test is self-administered by each student and adult in the classroom, while a trained teacher or a school-based COVID supervisor observes. Instead of the “long swab” that goes in the back of the nose, this test is a short, small swab (like a Q-Tip) that goes just in the front of the nose.
This type of testing provides privacy for each individual. If further confirmatory testing is required, every individual’s privacy will be protected throughout the process, including during contact tracing as we work to minimize the spread. Over the past year and a half, the District has protected the privacy of families and staff members who have reported their own COVID illnesses in an effort to protect our community.
Batch Test Results
Our plan is to provide test results within 48 hours. If a cohort’s result is negative, those students and staff will continue in-person learning. If a positive test is found in the sample, everyone in that sample will be notified.
- Any fully vaccinated person in a positive batch does not have to quarantine but does have to get a confirmatory negative test.
- Any unvaccinated person in a positive batch does have to quarantine and has to remain in quarantine until they receive a confirmatory negative test.
Contact tracing could result in a student who opted out being required to quarantine.
Confirmatory Test
The cohort where a positive test is found will be asked to complete a confirmatory test. Everyone will receive at least a 24-hour notice with time and location and other details for the FREE confirmatory test, which will be at Pop Keeney Stadium (9809 NE 188th St, Bothell, WA 98011). Families are welcome to seek their own confirmatory PCR test. They will need to provide an official document from a credible provider on their letterhead that has the date of the test, student’s name and a clear negative result. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted at this time. If all confirmatory tests for that cohort return negative, students and staff may return to in-person learning.
How to Opt-Out of Batch Testing
Families may opt their student(s) out from COVID testing. Families only need to complete the opt-out form once per student. If the form is not submitted by 10 a.m. the day before a test is scheduled, the student may be tested. They would then be removed from all future testing lists.
The opt out form asks for you to enter your student’s ID number. This can be found on your student’s identification card above the barcode, as well as on your student’s report card. You can also view it by logging in to ParentVUE or by contacting the school’s main office. If your student is opted out of testing, but their cohort has a positive COVID test result, they may still be required to quarantine for 14 days.