Wondering about state testing, COVID testing and lunch safety? We have answers.
Will students have to take state standardized tests this spring?
The state school superintendent (OSPI) has applied to the federal government for a waiver that would reduce state testing this spring. OSPI proposes the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) be administered to a statistically representative sample of approximately 50,000 students across the state, rather than all 700,000 Washington students. The math and English language arts exams would be reduced to two-thirds of their normal length. If the waiver is approved, schools would be randomly selected for participation.
Will the school district offer or require COVID testing for staff and/or students?
Highline has a trained COVID test team that can be deployed to a school or worksite to test staff and students when a positive COVID case is reported. The tests are available to any staff or student who may have been exposed to COVID on a voluntary basis.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are self-administered oral swabs, the most reliable type of COVID testing. Administering a test between three and seven days following the exposure provides the most accurate results, and results are available 24 to 48 hours after testing.
What are the safety protocols for lunch at secondary schools?
Students will pick up a "grab and go" lunch and will be seated six feet apart in the cafeteria and outdoor seating spaces. Students can bring a lunch from home, if they wish. Students can take off their masks only while seated and eating.