RCSD to test students for COVID-19 regularly, with parental consent

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — If you have a student in the Rochester City School District, they will be able to be tested on a regular basis as they return to in-person learning.

The superintendent says the tests are free and parents can choose whether or not they want their child to be screened.

One parent told News10NBC because she has three kids in different schools within the RCSD, all under the age limit for a vaccine, she believes it’s not a bad idea, and what makes it better is that the screening is not as invasive as it used to be.

"A swab right in the lower part of your nose, my kids can do that,” Kirsten Perkins said.

Perkins says she was a little hesitant at first when she saw the superintendent’s message.

RCSD Superintendent Dr. Lesli Myers-Small opened the video message with this statement: "This is a preventative measure where asymptomatic students will have the opportunity to be tested on a regular basis, right at school.”

After hearing that the screening is voluntary, and consent can be done online, Perkins said that eased her mind.

"So I have the opportunity to say yes my older kid I would like to get them tested but if I don’t want the younger ones to be exposed to it, I could decline that,” Perkins said.

In the video message, the superintendent said testing will be on a "regular basis", which came with some questions.

"How regular is this? Is it weekly? It’s also kids that are asymptomatic so it will be interesting to see if is only a small portion only allowed to be done and if those same kids are being done really often,” Perkins added.

The video message also shows by example how the test would be administered and the child can even do it on their own if they choose.

"I think that it might be a good thing and put people who are nervous at peace knowing that this is going on and give the people who don’t like it, the opportunity to opt-out,” Perkins said.

Superintendent Myers-Smalls said consent forms for screening will be sent home with students the first week of school or you can complete the form on RCSD’s website.