Wildcat Families,
Fulton County Schools hopes you have a restful and joyous Winter Break. During this break, we are asking that you continue to report (1) a positive COVID-19 result (2) a direct-contact with the positive COVID-19 individual or (3) a pending COVID-19 test result to the Parent Report Portal https://www.fultonschools.org/ReportCOVID. Still, to manage expectations regarding COVID-19 reporting during said break, please be patient while you await a response, it may be a few days given that the FCBOH/FCS Health Services Team will be on holiday break as well. All reports will be responded to before the Face-to-Face return for students on Wednesday, January 6th.
As in previous meetings, Superintendent Mike Looney provided a brief COVID-19 report. Data on pediatric cases in Fulton County, which includes Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County Schools, show similar trends for both school systems despite their different learning models. Atlanta Public Schools is in Universal Remote Learning mode where all students attend school virtually and Fulton County Schools has options of students learning in school or at home; however, the community spread is comparable.
Dr. Looney also said that with cases expected to increase due to travelling and family/larger group gatherings over the Winter Break, the district is developing a plan for the safe return for students and staff in January. Details will be shared before the district closes for the two-week break. He also reinforced that second semester will continue with the option of Face-to-Face or Remote Learning as instructional models for students, and that the deadline for parents to make their choice closes Friday, December 11 (more details below). The district also will continue using the FCS Closing Matrix to close schools or modify instruction on a case-by-case basis.
Free COVID-19 Testing: January 2
Similar to the return from Thanksgiving break, students and employees are encouraged to seek COVID-19 testing before returning to an FCS workplace or school particularly if they (1) have traveled out of state/country during winter break; (2) participated in any large gatherings; (3) suspect being exposed to COVID-19; and (4) currently have/had flu-like or COVID-like symptoms.
On January 2, Fulton County Schools will again partner with CORE, the organization working with the Fulton County Board of Health, to provide additional free COVID-19 testing sites. Two to-be-determined locations – one in North Fulton and one in South Fulton – will allow up to 500 free tests per location. Families and employees are encouraged to seek testing through any health provider – a family physician, urgent care center, health department, pharmacy drive-up lane, etc. – as the CORE sites have limited capacity. This link is not an exhaustive list of all local providers who offer COVID-19 testing, but it provides information on free test sites coordinated specifically by the Fulton County Board of Health.
The November 29 testing provided by CORE was successful in that it identified 64 individuals who otherwise may have continued to spread the virus to others. The January 2 test date aims to similarly identify infected individuals so they do not return to school or work until they are well.
CORE has again agreed to expedite the reporting process from the FCS sites, with most results reported within 48 hours. Those not receiving results within that timeframe are reminded that they must not come to an FCS workplace or school until results are received. Also, parents whose children undergo testing are reminded to make a report to the school district’s Parent (Student) COVID-19 Reporting Portal. Employees should send an email to covid@fultonschools.org (with their phone number) if they have a positive result, are still waiting for their test results, or have had direct contact with someone testing positive.
Thank you and please stay safe.
