Hello CPS Families -
We are writing with a few clarifications about Monday’s testing. While we understand that closing schools on Monday and Tuesday may be challenging for some families, we believe this puts CPS in the strongest position possible. We will be able to test students on Monday, receive results on Tuesday and return to in-person learning on Wednesday with minimal disruptions by reducing unnecessary quarantines later this week and beyond. We highly encourage all families to do your part and have your student get a COVID test.
Where is CPS conducting testing?
- Date: Monday, January 3
- Time: 10AM to 4PM
- Locations: Peabody, King Open, Morse, CRLS
- Appointments are NOT required. Your student may get tested at any location.
- To try to minimize crowds and lines, we recommend families attend testing at the following times:
- Last names A to L: Attend between 10AM - 1PM
- Last names M to Z: Attend between 1PM - 4PM
Why is CPS closing for two days to conduct testing?
CPS is fortunate to be able to provide PCR tests to all students on Monday. These tests are sent to the lab and we should have results back by Tuesday afternoon.
What if my child has recently tested positive?
Your child cannot participate in this testing if they have tested positive in the last 90 days.
When and how will I receive my child’s test results?
No news is good news! You will only receive a call if your child tests positive. We hope to receive all results by Tuesday afternoon.
How can we reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 at the testing locations on Monday?
CPS and the Cambridge Public Health Department are taking every precaution to create a safe and efficient testing environment, using lessons learned from public health clinics and testing sites.
- Masks are required.
- Participants will be socially distanced.
- The testing process should take only a few minutes.
Can my child get tested without me?
- Transportation will NOT be provided.
- Students in grades PK-8 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Students in grades 9-12 do not need to be accompanied.
- Parental consent is required for all students under 18 to participate. If you haven’t already, complete a consent form for your child to participate in weekly testing through the Family Portal or send a signed paper copy of this form to school with your child.
What will the testing schedule be Wednesday through Friday?
Schools will operate their normal testing schedule on Wednesday and Thursday. There will be testing in schools for those whose regular testing day is Wednesday and Thursday. Schools will not be able to accommodate extra testing on Wednesday for those who missed the Monday testing opportunity. If your child does not participate in testing on Monday, we highly recommend that you get a COVID test at a community site. Details about Cambridge sites can be found here.
Will CPS make up these missed school days?
Each year, every Massachusetts district, including CPS, prepares a school calendar that includes five potential additional school days, in case of inclement weather. CPS is using two of those days for this closure. That means that the school year will be extended until June 27.
Are there any more vaccination clinics?
We strongly encourage families and students to get vaccinated and boosted! The City of Cambridge is offering appointment-required vaccine clinics on Monday, January 3 (4-8PM) and Thursday, January 6 (11-3PM) at the CambridgeSide mall and Wednesday, January 5 (3:30-7:30PM) at CRLS Field House.
Read the full FAQs here >>
Thank you for your patience and flexibility.
The CPS Team