Working together to keep our community safe
The national public health emergency, which made it possible for the government to provide COVID testing, vaccines and other benefits for free, is set to expire May 11, 2023. Widespread vaccination and immunity, as well as antiviral treatments and the decreased virulence of recent variants, have reduced the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and the symptoms are mild for most people.
What does this mean for SPS families and staff?
- Many private insurers (Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts) will no longer pay for at-home COVID tests.
- SPS will continue to make free at-home tests available until supplies run out. Please check with your school’s main office.
- Families with MassHealth will be asked to recertify their eligibility for benefits. Please do not ignore the BLUE ENVELOPE you receive in the mail. If you have questions, please contact your doctor’s office, the Family Liaison at your school or SomerViva.
- Masks will no longer be required in the school nurse’s office.
- Symptomatic testing will be offered at the school nurse’s office through the end of the school year, June 16, but will not be offered next year.
- Isolation requirements for people who test positive have not changed. People who test positive are asked to remain at home for 5 days from symptom onset followed by 5 days of masking. If the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) change the isolation guidance, SPS will update this policy.
- The number of positive cases reported at each school will continue to be posted on the SPS website through the end of the school year, but will not continue after June 16.
- We will continue to monitor the latest public health guidance and will adapt policies as needed.
Visit the City of Somerville webpage for COVID-19 Information and more resources.
Somerville Public Schools and the City of Somerville implemented COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols, and made improvements to all our buildings' ventilation systems and we will continue to perform symptomatic tests on all consented students and staff. We urge our community members and eligible students to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Please read through this page for resource materials to answer your questions about COVID-19 and learn about our policies. You may also contact your school's nurse with questions. Notice to parents/guardians about 2022-23 COVID protocols, in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
Staff and students who test positive for COVID-19 are asked to fill out the COVID-19 Test Reporting Form.
SPS COVID Dashboard
Visit the Somerville Public Schools COVID-19 Dashboard to find the total number of weekly positive cases in Somerville Public Schools, as well as a breakdown of the numbers by school. The final tally for each week is reported on Sundays.
We learn about positive cases in multiple ways: from symptomatic testing at school; the MDPH database; and self-reported at home tests. The available data may not reflect the true infection rate. (Please let us know if your child tested positive for COVID-19 by filling out the COVID-19 Reporting Form.)
Symptomatic Testing
We will continue to perform rapid antigen tests on all consented students who develop symptoms while at school.
- IMPORTANT: The Testing Consent Form needs to be filled out every year. Please fill out the COVID-19 Testing Consent Form for your child (student).
At-Home COVID Testing
Positive result at-home? Please let us know through the COVID-19 Reporting Form.
Looking for at-home COVID test kits? Find information on the City of Somerville website.
getting vaccinated for students
Vaccination is the strongest protective measure against COVID-19 available to individuals six months of age and older. Boosters are strongly recommended for everyone ages five years and older. To find a vaccine clinic near you, please click on the link. Access your Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Record at the MyVaxRecords website.
What to do if you or your child tests positive or is a close contact
Did you test positive? Students or staff members who test positive at home are asked to let us know by filling out this form.
Read what you should do if you or a close contact tests positive for COVID-19: (updated 10.04.2022) English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole
Graphical chart of steps your family must take in situations where a student is a close contact or tests positive: (updated 10.04.2022) English (see below), Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole
