Pool Testing
What is pool testing?
Pool testing is a voluntary, opt-in program: students and staff are NOT required to participate in pooled testing. Pooled PCR testing is a more efficient way to test large groups of students and staff on a weekly basis. Pooled testing involves collecting swabs from small groups of students and staff, usually students in a class cohort or homeroom, placing the swabs in a common test tube, mixing several test samples together in a "batch" or "pool" and then testing the pooled sample with a PCR test for detection of SARS-CoV-2. If a pool results are positive, the individuals in that pool will need to be tested using a rapid antigen test called BinaxNOW. The positive individual(s) would then be sent home to begin their isolation period.
Those who choose to participate will be tested each Wednesday. The test provides us (and you) the opportunity to catch the virus at low levels in an asymptomatic individual. This allows the school to intervene early and keep more kids involved in school and activities.
Pool Testing at MA will begin on Wednesday, March 2nd and will be every Wednesday through June 8th.
Note: If your student participates in pool testing at CATC, please do not sign the student up again as they can’t be part of two different testing pools.
Consent
To allow your student to participate in the COVID-19 Pooled Testing Program, including consent to pool test, consent for any necessary follow-up Abbott BinaxNow Rapid Antigen tests, and consent to share test result information with the Maine CDC, please complete the consent form online. We are extremely grateful to our committed students, staff, and families that continue to show great flexibility and resilience as we navigate through this school year. It takes all of us to
work together to contain the spread of this virus. Pooled testing is another mitigation strategy for our school community.
Access code for the online consent forms: MA Access Code is MAPOOLTEST
As a school community we continue to work hard in an effort to keep the schools open and to provide as many students attending, in person, as possible. Like you, we know that in person education is best. It provides a better environment for academics and social emotional well being.
Sincerely,
Theodore A. Finn, Principal