Online registration for participating LFHS students is available here.
Those who register are encouraged to complete their consent form prior to arriving at the field house for testing. A link to the consent form will be included in the confirmation email and in an email reminder.
Symptomatic?
If a student is experiencing any new symptoms the day of their scheduled test, please do not come to the Field House. Instead, please report your symptoms on the LFHS screener and contact your healthcare provider directly.
What Kind of Test?
Some families have asked about the type of test that will be used in January. We will use the CareStart COVID-19 antigen test. CareStart is an EAU-authorized, rapid diagnostic test for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Results are generally available within 10 minutes.
This testing is offered free of charge to all LFHS students who plan to participate in e-Hybrid, in-person learning and/or in-person extracurricular activities during the second semester. It is a screening tool for non-symptomatic individuals.This rapid test is self-administered (under observation) with a nasal swab and less invasive than the nasopharyngeal test most commonly associated with COVID-19 testing.
Why Mandatory?
We want to open Lake Forest High School on January 19, and keep it open. Just as we know that washing hands, watching our distance, and wearing a mask are very effective in mitigating risk, we know that testing also works. We are committed to doing everything we can to slow the spread of the virus and keep our school doors open for in-person learning.
We have received questions from the community regarding our authority to require COVID-19 testing for e-Hybrid in-person students. Under the Illinois School Code, school districts have the authority to mandate viral tests for students just as we require current health, dental, and vision examinations. The School Code also gives Illinois schools the authority to make operational decisions to protect the health and safety of those in our building.
Members of the community have also asked about CDC guidance indicating that school testing should be offered on a voluntary basis. While we respect the CDC, we see no credible basis for its conclusion and are not legally obligated by it.
Filing for an Exception
Allowing exceptions increases the risk that an asymptomatic student could spread the virus to other members of the school community, putting both their health and in-person instruction at risk. Families may request an exception from the testing requirement that will be reviewed on an individual basis. This includes requests for alternative tests and test providers. If you would like to learn more about this process (available following Winter Break), please send an email to covidtestinginfo@lfschools.net.
Questions?
If you would like to speak with someone regarding COVID-19 testing, please contact Director of Safety and Security Mr. Lane Linder (llinder@lfschools.net) or call the Health Advocacy Line offered by our healthcare partner Passport Health. That phone number is: 1-888-499-7277.
Wishing you a safe, restful, and rejuvenating Winter Break.
