Superintendent's Letter

Dear Students, Staff, Families, and Community Members,

Newsletter Topic: New Hampshire DHHS guidance and Lebanon School District protocol regarding COVID self-isolation

Following up on my letter from yesterday, the most frequently asked question this week relates to the self-isolation period after a person tests positive for COVID. Last week the CDC recommended a change to the number of days from 10 days to 5 days for self-isolation after a person tests positive for COVID. Yesterday, the New Hampshire DHHS put forward its guidance for New Hampshire schools. The NH DHHS full Health Alert Message #53 is located here. Please read the announcement for details.

I have been in communication with DHHS, Lebanon school administrators, and school nurses to review the new guidance. The Lebanon School District will align with the DHHS guidance with the condition that a staff member or student can return to school after five days when there are no symptoms and after having a negative PCR or Rapid/At Home/Antigen test.

This will take effect on Monday, January 10th.

Testing Information:

A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a test to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. The test detects the presence of a virus if you have the virus at the time of the test. The test can also detect fragments of the virus even after one is no longer infected. Therefore, the test is not recommended for people who have tested positive for COVID - 19 within the last 90 days. This test is the gold standard used in healthcare for identifying the COVID - 19 Virus. It is performed in a healthcare facility and typically takes 24 - 48 hours to result.

Rapid Test/ At-Home Test/ Antigen Test: This detects bits of proteins on the surface of the virus called antigens. Antigen tests typically take only 15 to 30 minutes. Rapid antigen tests are most accurate when used within a few days of the start of your symptoms, which is when the largest amount of virus is present in your body. It is also the recommended test for anyone who has tested positive for Covid within the past 90 days to see if reinfection has occurred with new symptoms or if the virus is still present.

We understand that supplies of at-home tests are limited. We do have some at-home tests available. Please contact the school nurse if your child has tested positive, has no symptoms, and you are in need of an at-home test to return to school.

Please know that we appreciate your patience, understanding, and support. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Dr. Joanne Roberts

The Lebanon School District, in partnership with the community, is committed to providing a challenging, positive, and safe learning environment that CARES:

• Cultivates curiosity and collaboration
• Achieves academic excellence
• Respects and values diversity
• Encourages responsible citizenship
• Supports the needs of every learner

Upcoming School Board Meeting:

Lebanon School Board Regular Meeting- Wednesday, January 12, 2021, 6:30 pm LMS Cafeteria

Please visit the SAU #88 website for further information.

Link to Board Agendas and Minutes

Website: www.sau88.net
Location: 20 Seminary Hill Road, West Lebanon, NH, USA
Phone: 603-795-8500