Puyallup School District now offers a ‘Test-to-Stay’ option for unvaccinated students identified as being exposed to someone with COVID-19 while at school. This means that students identified as a close contact will have the option to test allowing them to continue attending school as long as they are symptom-free and test negative for COVID-19.
 

This testing program, combined with disease prevention strategies, can keep students in school, while helping the district detect new cases to prevent outbreaks, reduce the risk of further transmission, and protect others from COVID-19.
 

Next Steps:
 

Families wanting their child to participate need to provide parental consent and register at their child’s school.  Complete the steps below now to expedite the process in the event your child is determined a close contact.  Individual school links provided below:
 

Step 1:  Submit Consent Form (English, Spanish)
 

Step 2:  Submit School Registration Form (Aylen, Ballou, Brouillet, Carson, Dessie Evans, Edgemont, Edgerton, Emerald Ridge, Ferrucci, Firgrove, Fruitland, Glacier View, Hunt, Kalles, Karshner, Maplewood, Meeker, Mt. View, Northwood, PDL/Advance, Pope, Puyallup, Ridgecrest, Rogers, Shaw Road, Spinning, Stahl, Stewart, Sunrise, Walker, Waller Road, Wildwood, Woodland, Zeiger) 

Commonly Asked Questions:
 

Is testing mandatory?  What happens if my child does not participate in the program? 
The program is voluntary.  Unvaccinated students who don’t participate in Test-to-Stay and are identified as close contacts will be required to quarantine at home for 10 days from the date of exposure.
 

What kind of test is being used? 
The Test-to-Stay program in the Puyallup School District uses a Rapid Antigen test. This is a minimally invasive, nasal swab test and is observed or administered by a trained adult. 
 
When will I receive the test results? 
Parents will be notified of test results by text or email within 24 hours.   
 
What are the testing procedures? 
Students will be tested the next school day after the date of exposure, and again between day 5-7 of exposure.  If parent consent has been provided, a test will be given and the student may return to class immediately (while awaiting test result) if they are symptom-free.  
 

What is modified quarantine? 
During modified quarantine, the student must quarantine at home except for attending school classes. Participation in non-classroom school activities, such as extracurricular and community activities, is not permitted, nor is attendance to group childcare (RAS) or youth development programs. A modified quarantine is not an option for preschool students and staff.
 

Can my child participate in non-classroom school activities and extracurricular activities during modified quarantine? 
During modified quarantine, students may only attend school and must avoid non-classroom school activities, such as extracurricular and community activities, group childcare, or youth development programs for the “modified quarantine” period of 7 days from exposure. 
 
Students may resume extracurricular activities on day 8 if both of their tests during the modified quarantine are negative (the second test must occur after day 5 and recommended prior to or on day 7 after exposure). This is a requirement of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Test to Stay program. 
 
What if my child is identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 at school, is unvaccinated, and tests positive?   
If the student tests positive, the student will be sent home for the identified isolation period, usually 10 days. 
 
Can my child participate in the district’s Test to Stay program if they are exposed to COVID-19 outside of school? 
No, the DOH does not allow students exposed outside of school to participate in the Test-to-Stay program.  
 
What if my child is vaccinated? 
Students who are vaccinated and remain symptom-free do not need to test, even if identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. 
 
What if my child is identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 at school and chooses not to be tested at school?  
A modified quarantine is not available for unvaccinated students who do not choose to be tested at school.