Important Information Regarding Pooled Testing 2/11/21

Hanover H

We are moving forward with our pooled testing program.  This important message is intended to ask for your support and participation.  We have carefully considered the feedback that we received in response to previous information about the program, and we are working to address any reluctance to participate.  On Monday evening, our Health Services staff held a webinar (click to view) with over 250 viewers to provide information and answer questions.  This video is an excellent resource to better understand the program.

Since last spring, we have received overwhelming encouragement and direction from our community, the Governor’s Office, DESE, and countless medical professionals and scientists to return our students to school in-person.  Since September, Hanover has supported more in-person students in our cohort/hybrid model than nearly all other communities.  With the return to school plans that are ahead of us, Hanover is taking the lead once again.  It makes sense to use every tool available to support this effort.  This assurance testing process will provide peace of mind for our students, teachers, and staff along with the critical data needed to assist and inform our Health Services team - especially during this period of transition.    

In response to the feedback so far, these are the key updates to help you make an informed decision regarding participation: 

Aspen Election Process

We understand that the Aspen election process can be cumbersome.  To simplify this process, and encourage participation, an email will be sent to parents, guardians, and staff who have not yet responded with personalized data and a one-click solution.  Those emails will be sent in the next 24 hours.  If you already submitted an election, you will not receive this message. 

First Round of Tests

On Tuesday, we performed pooled testing on a sample of students (approximately 5% of HPS students) and staff from across the district.  Of the thirty-three pools submitted for testing, there were zero positive results.  The results were reported to us on Tuesday evening – less than 12 hours later.  No action was required because there were no positive results.

Timing

We are planning our full roll-out to begin the week following February break to coincide with the shift to our new four-day model.  For the first phase, we will be pool testing on Tuesday* and using Wednesday as the opportunity to respond to any positive pools by providing individual follow-up testing using our partnership with the Town MIH program.  We will also use Wednesday to perform contract tracing.  Anyone in a positive pool from Tuesday, who tests negative on Wednesday, can return to school on Thursday assuming the results arrive early in the AM (about 90% of the time).  *Students in the B or Gold cohort will have their pooled test on Friday during our remaining time in the hybrid model.

Quarantines

We get it - this is a major sticking point.  Nobody wants to quarantine.  The reluctance to participate in pooled testing because of concerns about being quarantined welcomes these considerations: 1) The testing could alert you that your child or a close contact has COVID-19.  This is important information to have for the affected person and everyone they are close to.  2) Any positive results from the pools will be contact-traced immediately.  If your child is a close contact of a positive case, they will be required to quarantine.  It could be a classmate, friend, neighbor, teammate, etc.  This is the exact same process we are following today for anyone who tests positive within our school community.  

Rapid Testing

Our district is evaluating the use of rapid testing for follow-up testing of positive pools. This would eliminate any need to quarantine while waiting for individual test results after a positive pool. This option will not be available during these first few weeks of the program.

Funding and Sustainability

The first six weeks of this program is funded through a grant from the state.  We will be evaluating the effectiveness of this program during this time period.  If we decide to maintain the program, we will work with school and town officials to support this testing in the most cost-effective manner possible.  

Please complete the email consent form for each of your children as soon as possible, and please reach out at any time to your child’s school nurse if you have any questions.  This remains an optional program, and you may choose not to participate.  Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this important information.  Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable February Vacation! 

Sincerely,

Matt Ferron, Superintendent
Patricia Smith, Director of Health Services