SALT LAKE CITY — On Monday, some students in the Salt Lake City School District are returning to in-person classes for the first time since last spring.
"This coming Monday brings big changes to our district, with the beginning of our in-person learning option for 4th-6th grade students, as well as middle and high school students. Our administrators, teachers, and staff have been working hard to make sure our schools are safe and ready for students," a message from interim Superintendent Larry Madden says.
The district is implementing a "Test to Start and Test to Stay" COVID-19 testing protocol for students and staff at East High, West High and Highland High.
"Students who will be attending in-person learning and students who participate in athletics or other in-person extracurricular activities are required to be tested for COVID-19 before they return to campus. Remote learners who do not participate in in-person extracurriculars are also encouraged to participate in this free testing opportunity," the message says.
The testing isn't mandatory, but students who opt out of testing will need to remain in remote learning for 10 days before returning to in-person classes, including classes at the Career and Technical Center and other locations apart from the student's home school.
Students who've been instructed to quarantine should continue to follow the Salt Lake County Health Department's quarantine standards.
"Students who have tested positive in the past 90 days and are not currently in isolation will not have to test, if the student can provide documentation showing the date they had COVID. This information should have been sent to the student or the student’s family by the county health department," the message says.