The Dawson Springs Board of Education this week passed several items pertaining to the COVID-19 Operations Plan that Superintendent Denny Whalen said will be of interest to many families in the school district, including the Test-to-Stay Program.
According to Whalen, the board approved the slight revisions to the district’s COVID-19 Operations Plan as required by Senate Bill 1 that was passed by state legislators. He said the most notable item is the district would continue with face-covering protocols, which he added is essential for the district to be able to have school and remain in-person.
In addition, Whalen said they have collaborated with the Hopkins County Health Department and the district will be piloting the Test-to-Stay program. He noted the TTS program will give students and families that are in quarantine the option to come in and be tested for COVID-19 each morning by the school nurse in days 1-6 of their quarantine. If the student tests negative that day, they will be allowed to stay in school but Whalen noted they must show extra caution to stay masked at all times indoors except while eating and drinking.
He added there are limitations in this program, with the most notable being it does not apply to athletics or extracurricular activates such as band. He said it also only applies to quarantines related to school-based contacts and students on quarantine for COVID-19 positive home-related contacts or contacts outside school are not eligible. He reiterated this program is totally optional for those interested. Whalen said TTS students are encouraged to be brought to school by an adult if possible but they may ride the bus if needed if they are not running a temperature.
Whalen said based on recent recommendations from the state legislature and the Kentucky Department of Education, the district has also implemented a vaccination incentive program that will utilize some of the local ESSER stimulus funds. He added those who are eligible for the program students age 12 and above, who have already been vaccinated or will get a COVID vaccine prior to December 1. He said students who submit the required documentation will receive a $50 Visa gift card.
In addition to the gift card, Whalen said the student will also automatically be entered into a raffle drawing for a $100 Visa card every Friday through December 1. He added this program is totally optional and is a student and family decision as to whether they decided to participate or not.
For more information about the COVID-19 Operations Plan, visit the Dawson Springs Board of Education website.
