DCPS Mandatory Test-to-Return Policy

Here are the four steps every family must take to start the 2022 school year strong on January 5: 

• Pick up a COVID-19 rapid antigen test. These tests will be available at every DCPS school on Monday, January 3 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., or Tuesday, January 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are also available at Test Yourself Express pickup sites around the city at coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.  

• On Tuesday, January 4, take the easy-to-use, at-home test by following the instructions provided in your kit. Students must have tested within 24 hours of their planned return to school. Families may choose to utilize their own antigen or PCR testing option, but tests administered before January 4 will not be accepted.  Instructions for using the COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test are available HERE.

• Upload your test results. Provide proof of your COVID-19 negative test result to dcps.dc.gov/safereturn by Tuesday, January 4 at 4:00 pm.  

• Continue to monitor your student for any symptoms of COVID-19. If they are showing any symptoms, students should stay home. Should a student be unvaccinated and identified as a close contact to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, they should also stay home regardless of their test result. 

If your student tests positive, please email dealattendance@k12.dc.gov and your grade-level administrator so that their absence can be noted accordingly.  Please follow all quarantine guidance from DC Health and your medical professionals and report your test results from any over the counter test to coronavirus.dc.gov/overthecounter

For additional information and to stay up to date, visit https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/chancellor/8841/