Panther Pledge
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Before coming to school or school activities each day, we need all students to complete the Panther Pledge/Daily Symptom Checklist (click for the Panther Pledge in Spanish). Staying home when not feeling well or if someone in your household has COVID-19 will help keep us safe and in school.
Complete OSD health and safety policies are based on protocols proven to keep students and staff safe and in school with minimal disruptions.
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I do if my student isn't feeling well?
1. Check symptoms using the Panther Pledge checklist and stay home as directed:
2. Get tested for COVID-19
Students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms may return to school after one of the following: (see free testing locations):
- Negative test - student may return to school provided their symptoms are improving
- Positive test - student may return on day 6 (day 0 is onset of symptoms) and should wear a mask on days 6-10.
Because your student has symptoms, they may also be eligible to test at no cost through our partnership with ORCHARDS by calling 608-265-3164. There are safe distribution and pickup procedures in place and your family will receive a $50 gift card for participating.
3. Report the absence and return plan by calling 608-835-4000, Option #1
To be as efficient as possible, please state the following information in your message (a school staff member will contact you with information about instruction while your student is absent):
- Your student’s first and last name
- Your name and phone number
- All symptoms your student is experiencing on the Panther Pledge checklist (e.g., my student is experiencing a cough and a sore throat)
- Your planned approach at this time for returning to school (e.g., I plan to get a test)
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What should I do if my student tests positive for COVID-19?
1. Keep your student home from school
The date symptoms started is day 0. If you do not have symptoms, day 0 is the date of the positive COVID test. You may return on day 6 IF all of the following are true:
- It has been 24 hours without a fever (without fever-reducing medicine),
- Your symptoms are resolving;
- You feel well enough to be at school; AND
- You wear a well-fitting mask at all times indoors through day 10 (except for approved lunch or mask breaks where you are at least 6 feet from others).
2. Report the positive test by calling 608-835-4000, Option #1
To be as efficient as possible, please state the following information in your message (a school staff member will contact you with information about instruction while your student is absent):
- Your student’s first and last name
- Your name and phone number
- The date symptoms started (if symptomatic)
- The date of the positive test result
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What should I do if there is a positive COVID-19 case in my household?
If there is a positive COVID-19 case in your household, students may come to school as long as they are not experiencing any symptoms. It is recommended that they wear a mask for 10 days from the date of exposure.
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Does my student need to quarantine?
Quarantine is not required if your student is not experiencing symptoms. If your student is not feeling well, please see above.
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Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
There are many locations that offer free COVID-19 testing. You may search for a location via Public Health Madison & Dane County or Center for COVID Control. Make sure to complete any required documentation and call for an appointment at your selected testing location prior to arriving for a test.
In addition to those testing sites, your family may be eligible to participate in the UW Oregon Child Absenteeism due to Respiratory Disease Study (ORCHARDS). This study is looking at household transmission of COVID-19, Influenza and other respiratory viruses. If eligible, research staff will drop off study materials outside of your home for completing 3 nasal swab collections over a 2 week period. Each set of swabs will be picked up after collection and transported to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for testing. Since this is a research study, results may not be received as quickly as they would be at the sites listed above. Your family will receive $50 for participating in this study. Call the study line at 608-265-3164 for more details.
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Will OSD host a community testing site this year?
OSD has applied with the Department of Health Services (DHS) to host a testing site again this year. We are awaiting to see if we are matched with a test provider and will send communication to all OSD families if we are approved.
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Will the District communicate COVID-19 cases within classrooms?
We will not send COVID-19 notification letters for all COVID-19 cases. We will send notifications in situations where there are outbreaks or patterns of COVID-19 cases.
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Is there ever a time my student could be asked to wear a mask?
There are some occasions in which students may asked to wear a mask for health and safety purposes:
- If your student displays COVID-19 symptoms, they may be asked to wear a mask in the health office.
- Students returning to school after testing positive for COVID-19 or who have a positive case in their household will be asked to wear a mask at school on days 6-10, in accordance with health guidance.
- If there is a classroom or school outbreak, masks may be temporarily required.
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Can I get tested for COVID-19 through ORCHARDS?
If your student is experiencing respiratory symptoms, your family may be eligible to participate in the UW Oregon Child Absenteeism due to Respiratory Disease Study (ORCHARDS). This study is looking at household transmission of COVID-19, Influenza and other respiratory viruses. If eligible, research staff will drop off study materials outside of your home for completing 3 nasal swab collections over a 2 week period. Each set of swabs will be picked up after collection and transported to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for testing. Since this is a research study, results may not be received as quickly as they would be at general testing sites. Your family will receive $50 for participating in this study. Call the study line at 608-265-3164 for more details.
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How can I schedule a vaccine appointment?
COVID-19 vaccines are availble for everyone ages 5 and older: schedule a vaccine
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How can I contact my school health office?
Visit OregonSD.org/health.
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How can I find information on effective masks?
Here is the most recent CDC guidance on masks, which includes information on how to properly fit a mask, mask types, and how to clean and store masks.