Consent forms for the NPS COVID testing program are now available in Aspen. You ARE REQUIRED to provide consent for your student to be tested. Please log into Aspen to sign the consent form. Here is the Aspen Login Link. Please follow these instructions for accessing and signing the consent form.
Testing is scheduled to begin in mid-September.
Here are the details on the state-sponsored multi-tiered COVID testing program administered by CIC Health:
- Symptomatic Testing: This protocol (a rapid test), will be used for students and staff who develop symptoms while at school.
- Test and Stay (Close contact testing): This protocol (a rapid test) will be used to test unvaccinated asymptomatic individuals who have been identified as close contacts following possible exposure at school.
- Routine (Weekly) COVID Pooled Testing: This protocol (anterior nasal swab) will be used for all individuals who opt-in to participate in the weekly COVID testing program.
Why should I opt into the “Test and Stay” COVID testing program?
To limit disruptions to school attendance and learning. The “Test and Stay” program eliminates the need for your unvaccinated student to quarantine if they remain symptom-free and continue to test negative at school (vaccinated students are exempt from this testing program and remain in school.) Instead of quarantining at home, the unvaccinated close contact student comes to school. The student is tested using a rapid test for at least 5 days from the date of exposure. If the student remains asymptomatic (no symptoms) and does not develop symptoms, the student does not miss any school.
Having trouble logging into Aspen? Email: aspen@newton.k12.ma.us