October 28, 2021 – DPS is implementing voluntary on-site COVID testing for students and staff. This testing is referred to as SHIELD testing and is a partnership with the University of Illinois. Their goal with on-site testing is to keep as many students and staff members as possible in school. Those who are identified as unvaccinated close contacts to COVID cases may be able to avoid quarantine if they submit to SHIELD testing.
The Macon County Health Department is allowing a test-to-stay option once SHIELD testing is up and running in DPS schools. This means any unvaccinated student or staff member who is identified as a close contact but is asymptomatic may remain at school as long as they submit to SHIELD testing on days 1, 3, 5, and 7, and results are negative every time. This test-to-stay option would also only remain available as long as community spread numbers do not rise significantly.
The tentative date for SHIELD testing to begin at on-site DPS locations is Monday, November 15. If you would like to opt your student in to SHIELD testing, you must complete the DPS Parent/Guardian Consent Form for COVID-19 Testing & Release of Records. There are four ways you can complete the form.
**Note: You will need to complete a form for each of your DPS students.
- A digital version of the form is now available in Skyward Family Access. Click on “Online Forms”, select the “Fill Out Form” link next to SHIELD Consent Form; when you are finished, click the “Complete Step 1 and Move to Step 2” button at the bottom of the form. You must click the “Submit SHIELD Consent Form” button in Step 2 to complete the form.
- Printable form – print, sign, and return to the main office at your student’s school.
- Printable form linked on the DPS website at www.dps61.org/COVID – print, sign, and return to the main office at your student’s school.
- Call the school office to request a printed copy of the form be sent home with your student – sign and return to the main office at your student’s school.
