Akron Central reopens schedules testing for students and staff

Akron Central reopens Monday, December 7 with the hybrid model in place for most of the Fall.  The District was on full remote for a week while staffing and testing could be addressed.

A delay in shipping pushed administration of COVID-19 rapid tests to Tuesday, following the schedule that was set for that day. Those students and staff scheduled for Monday will now receive the test on Thursday. An email confirmation will be sent to all students and staff that have their test date moved to Thursday. The rescheduled appointment will remain at the same time.

“We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” Superintendent of Schools Patrick McCabe said in announcing the change. “Over the last few days we have received an influx of forms returned to the district and now have an extensive list of students and staff members that may be selected for the random testing process.”

While the Yellow Zone designation requires that 20% of students and staff be tested, those students who were not selected to be tested or who will not participate in testing are still expected to come to school.

“The BinaxNow shallow nasal swab rapid test takes just a few moments to administer and the results are known in 15 minutes. Students with negative results will return to class immediately afterward,” McCabe said.  “The testing space allows for a private location for the test to be administered and no one other than the trained nurses, district administrators and the parent(s) of the student will be aware of a positive test result.”

:We are grateful for our students, staff and families who have faithfully followed the requirements of the “new now”; masking, physical distancing, hand hygiene, monitoring of symptoms and quarantining as directed by the local health department. Because of your efforts, our schools are safe places for learning and work for our students and staff. While we will remain steadfast in our commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone in our school community, we will also remain flexible and adapt to the changing conditions in these uncertain,” McCabe said.