Alta Families,
Alta’s COVID-19 cases have risen to a level that we are anticipating the need to take action in the near future. Instead of transitioning to online, Canyons District has opted for the new “Test to Stay” program, where students will receive a COVID-19 test during school hours. Those who test negative will remain in school, and those who test positive or choose not to test will learn remotely. The benefit of opting to go through this process is that we are anticipating being able to keep our students in school.
To prepare, please register your student for the “Test to Stay” program at this link:
https://c19.health.utah.gov/surveys/?s=3XDE77E4CK&dagid=PTI-AltaHS
Below is a copy of the message sent last night from Canyons School District about Alta’s COVID-19 cases and the “Test to Stay” program, in case you did not receive it.
Thank you,
Alta Administration
This message is for parents and guardians of Alta High students. Canyons District’s plan to operate schools in this unprecedented time is a thoughtful approach to providing educational services while also minimizing risk to the community. However, while safety precautions have proven effective in reducing transmission in our schools, they cannot eliminate all risk associated with COVID-19.
In the midst of this health crisis, the Canyons District Administration continues to monitor the situation and consult with the Salt Lake County Health Department, which has reported an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases associated with Alta High.
Cases of the novel coronavirus associated with Alta have risen to a level that is prompting a community notification. The total number over the past two weeks can be accessed at canyonsdistrict.org. Now more than ever is the time for vigilance among Alta High families. It will take the combined efforts of the community to maintain a consistent level of health and wellness. Both at and away from school, please encourage students to be vigilant about wearing masks, remaining physically distant from others who do not live in the same household, washing hands, and using hand sanitizers.
Not only do we want all our students to remain healthy and safe, we want to stay in school.
To the end of maintaining an in-person learning schedule, CSD high schools now have the option of organizing a “Test to Stay” program if health authorities indicate that a 1 percent threshold for positive COVID-19 cases associated with the school has been reached. In this program, students and employees are offered rapid antigen testing at the school during school hours.
Those who test negative are able to remain in school and those who test positive are directed to isolate and learn remotely. This process identifies those who are asymptomatic spreaders of COVID-19 and removes them from the environment, thereby reducing the risk of school-based exposures. Testing would be voluntary, but data show that in order for these types of programs to work, the vast majority of students and staff have to be tested. At the end of the testing window, if a substantial number of students, faculty and staff decide to “Test to Stay,” the number of COVID-19 cases associated with the school would reset to zero on Canyons District’s COVID-19 data dashboard.
Participating in a “Test to Stay” event would require parental approval. If the school organizes a “Test to Stay” event, additional information, including a link to an online consent form, would be sent via email to parents. Parents also would be notified with a robocall message.
Regarding the most recent cases, please note that parents already would have been contacted by school or health officials if, during the contact-tracing process, their child was identified as a student who may have been exposed.
Parents are encouraged to continue monitoring children for symptoms of COVID-19. Please contact a health provider immediately if your child begins to suffer a fever, cough, or has difficulty breathing. We also recommend taking additional steps to protect your child’s overall well-being. Watch for signs of stress or behavior changes. For additional resources to keep children healthy during stressful times, we urge you to visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s website by clicking here.
We recognize there may be questions or concerns. Please direct questions by email to communications@canyonsdistrict.org. Parents also can call the school or the District Office at 801-826-5000. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation as we address this public-health challenge together.
