My district scrambled and made a big announcement that tests would be distributed today so that people can test at home and to keep kids that are positive home tomorrow. This morning, we received an email from building admin that we would be getting tests and accompanying letters delivered to the classroom with emphasis that everything had to go home today. Only 50-60% of the students actually came, so I guess the other 40-50% will get theirs tomorrow?

Mid-day, teachers got a letter to send home that (basically) said, oops, our tests didn't come in on time, so no tests for you. Teachers diligently distributed those letters and.... at 2:00 (dismissal is 2:30) tests and new letters were dropped at the classrooms. Naturally, all letters and instructions are in English but our population is probably 40% non-English speaking.

We are taking bets on how many tests are returned un-opened tomorrow. I sent home a message, to the 5 classrooms I work with, using our translation app, including a link to the manufacturer's instructional video. I hope they utilize it.

Of the 50% of students showed up today, about 10% were sent home for showing symptoms. I had multiple others that looked sick and had slight fevers but were allowed to stay. One Mom even said the kid looks that way because he is the only boy and gets babied at home. (Her assessment of what happens at home is 100% accurate and has been an ongoing issue, but I digress). I understand that looking sick is not a reason to send them home, but those fevers concern me. My family and I all recently had it and our fevers were only in the low to mid 99 range.

About 5% of the staff was also out with Covid. I actually thought it would be a bigger sh!t show, so I'm glad it wasn't worse.