DSST will continue our partnership with COVIDCheck Colorado to provide free optional onsite COVID testing for students and staff during the 2021-22 school year beginning the week of September 13 at all our schools located in Denver.  

Outside of mask-wearing, random community sampling is one of the most effective interventions at fighting the spread of COVID-19 in communities. We have seen several breakthrough infections across our network. All staff, even vaccinated, are encouraged to sign up. Staff are able to participate in random community sampling by setting up an account and consenting to the procedure. 

 FAQs:

• How do I consent to random sampling?
  If you’d like to participate, please Click Here to Enroll Today!  If you need it, click here view guide on how to see your DPS ID.
• Can I schedule an appointment at our school site?
  No. All testing will be random. But if you consent, you’ll be notified the day of and we’ll work with your teaching schedule to ensure you’ve got time to provide a sample!
• How often will I be tested?
  We will test 15-20% of the community (that opts in) each week. We hope to have everyone tested every 5 weeks.
• Can I still use other DPS testing sites?
  Yes—you can use scheduled sites if you prefer, and in fact should use these options if you’re symptomatic or suspect exposure to COVID-19.
• Who will have access to my test results?
  Your results go to COVIDCheck Colorado, but DPS and DSST are also notified, as we’re monitoring for positive results.
• What about Home Office team members?
  HO team members are able to participate in testing at the COVIDCheck Colorado location of their choice. Please enroll in the program to allow DSST to receive anonymous information about your results.
• What kind of testing is it?
  The saliva protocol that COVIDCheck Colorado uses is SalivaDirect™, which is an FDA Emergency Use Authorization-approved PCR testing protocol. The Yale School of Public Health developed the protocol; the NBA used SalivaDirect™ in “the bubble” to test its players, and the protocol is being rolled out to other organizations, institutions, and populations around the country. Yale’s studies have shown that SalivaDirect™ PCR is as sensitive as a nasal PCR test and is both more convenient and comfortable for participants than a nasal swab. 
• What if I work at AST?
  Given AST is participating in the mask study with Anschutz, we decided not to have staff/students participate. All AST staff members can get tested for free at any COVIDCheck Colorado site.

We will begin testing the week of September 13. Thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring a safe return to schools!