Beginning Monday, November 8th, Beebe School District will implement "Test to Stay" protocols for Kindergarten through 12th grades. The “Test to Stay” Modified Quarantine Pilot Program, provided by the Arkansas Department of Health, is designed to assist school districts in minimizing disruptions for students and allow for in-person instruction. The Beebe School District has been approved as a pilot site for the program.
\r\n"Test to Stay" will be an OPTIONAL protocol for students (K-12) and staff who are identified as close contacts to a COVID positive case at school (Program guidelines dictate that exposures occurring outside of school do not qualify).
As of October 18, 2021, a close contact is defined as an individual confirmed to have been within three feet for 15 cumulative minutes or longer within a 24-hour period during the infectious period of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Those who choose to participate in "Test to Stay" will be allowed to remain in school and not quarantine as long as they meet the following guidelines set forth by the ADH:
Complete the “Test to Stay” Consent Form (bit.ly/bbtts21) (Parent must complete if student is 17 years or younger);
Receive a COVID test each school day from Day 1 through Day 7 after exposure;
Remain asymptomatic, without any signs or symptoms of COVID-19;
Wear a mask indoors, when at school or on school transportation, for the entirety of the testing/quarantine period;
Quarantine when not at school;
Consent to participation data being released to the Arkansas Department of Education and Arkansas Department of Health.
Testing will take place daily in the BSD Professional Development Center (PDC) between 7:30 - 8:30 am. After the test is performed, the student will need to wait approximately 15 minutes for results. A parent or guardian must remain with the student for the duration of testing UNLESS the student is old enough to drive.
The following is an example of a Test to Stay Schedule:
Day 0: Exposure Day
Days 1-7: Report to the PDC between 7:30 - 8:30 am BEFORE going to school for the day. You will be assessed for any COVID symptoms, be tested for COVID, and you will be required to wear a mask indoors at school and on school buses. The only exceptions to the mask rule are during activities that cause physical exertion.
Close contacts will not be tested on weekends or after school hours.
If there is a positive test result, that person will be sent home and must isolate for 10 days from the test date per ADH guidelines. No other COVID test is necessary after a positive result.
If above is not adhered to, you will be dismissed from the Test to Stay program and return to standard ADH quarantine guidelines.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Test to Stay program, you may contact Brandi Crowell, BSD Nursing Supervisor, at 501-882-5463 ext 1263 or bcrowell@beebeschools.org.
View the table below to determine when and if a close contact must quarantine and/or test to stay -
