COVID-19 Updates

Dear FVL Families,

As we move further into the school year, the opportunities for COVID-19 and other illnesses to spread have certainly increased. Additionally, the prevalence of colds, allergies, and other viruses in addition to COVID have made it difficult to properly assess health.

It is with this in mind, that I would like to take a moment to provide you with a number of reminders and resources that will help you better determine the course of action to take with your student. Above all else, if you have any questions or concerns, the best source of information will be your family’s healthcare provider.

Should my student stay home?

• Please refer to the COVID Screening Checklist for Children to assist with making a decision about school attendance.
• It is far better for a student to stay home while confirming the presence of COVID than to send the student to school hoping a test will come back negative.
• Be cautious in assuming that symptoms are “only” related to allergies or a mild cold.  More often than not, that is how COVID symptoms present themselves in high school age children.
• If your student is showing a single symptom (such as a runny nose or cough) please encourage them to wear a mask at school as a precaution.
• If your student has been in close contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID, please consult our Back to School 2021-22 document for how to proceed.

 

Do I need to get my student tested?

• Again, it may be best to first consult your healthcare provider. Tests taken too soon can result in false negatives.
• A student showing symptoms who tests negative for a rapid test will most likely be referred for the more accurate PCR test, which can take 2-3 days for results.
• Avoiding a test to avoid isolation or quarantine may likely put others at risk.
• Websites such as https://doineedacovid19test.com/ provide access to many free testing options throughout the area.

 

How long does my student need to isolate if positive?

• Officially, the CDC directs positive individuals to isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms AND until the student is symptom free.
• We are concerned about the increasing number of students who do not stay home from school with mild symptoms and then test late only to find that they are positive.
• Remember, isolation is intended to prevent the spread to others, but only if done properly and early. It is better to assume a positive result and take precautions than to expose additional people to the virus.

 

How long does my student need to quarantine?

• Again the CDC directs those in close contact to quarantine for 10 days from the last exposure as long as the quarantined individual remains symptom free.before returning to regular activities.
• If a person receives a negative COVID-19 test result after 5 days, the quarantine can be shortened to as few as 7 days from the last exposure as long as the quarantined individual remains symptom free.
• Students who are vaccinated AND do not show symptoms may return to school without quarantining for close contact.

As a reminder, the CDC recommends that students 12 years and older do get vaccinated to protect themselves and others against the worst effects of the COVID-19 virus. Please consult your healthcare provider for further information about whether a vaccine is appropriate for your student or any other family member.

Your cooperation and communication are critical to the general welfare of all our students and their families, our faculty and staff, and our communities. Thank you for all your efforts to stay informed and take these precautions and procedures seriously, so that we can continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for learning at FVL.

 

In Christ,
Mr. Alan Nolte, Principal
Fox Valley Lutheran High School
Appleton, Wisconsin

Email: anolte@fvlhs.org
Office: 920-739-4441 x5108
Mobile: 920-427-9706