Free COVID-19 testing for LPS high school students (3/24 & 25)

LPS high school families,

Lincoln Public Schools has agreed to once again participate in a volunteer pilot high school COVID-19 testing project with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Department of Education and the operations team with Test Nebraska. This pilot testing project helps local health officials determine the prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, and what safety protocols need to be adjusted to further reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. Data gathered will also help LPS in collaboration with the health department continue to make planning decisions about the remainder of the school year. This testing will also detect any COVID-19 variants that may be present in our community.

This resource is available to all high school staff and students at no cost to you, families, or the school district. This will take place at all six LPS high schools during the week of March 22, 2021. If you are interested in participating, you are encouraged to fill out this consent form and come during the designated screening time.

Nurses from Test Nebraska will be doing a nasal mid-turbinate swab. Collecting a specimen for testing involves inserting a small swab, similar to a Q-Tip, into the front of the nose. This is less invasive than the nasopharyngeal swab. Results will be sent securely within 72 hours to the email parent/guardian’s used on the consent form. Students who do not exhibit symptoms will NOT have to quarantine while they wait for results.

Students who test positive will be contacted by Test Nebraska and the health department, and will still be required to follow LPS COVID-19 protocols for a positive COVID-19 result. This includes staying home from school during the self-isolation period identified by the health department, and reporting the absence to the school’s attendance office.

To Sign Up

Simply complete, sign and return the printed consent form on testing day. You can find the consent form here. If you are unable to print the consent form, you can pick up a printed copy in your school’s health office to be completed and returned on testing day.

Testing Schedule

There will be one testing day at each high school.

Wednesday, March 24
7:30 – 11:00 a.m.

  • Lincoln High School
  • North Star High School
  • Southwest High School

Thursday, March 25
7:30 – 11:00 a.m.

  • East High School
  • Northeast High School
  • Southeast High School

Below are answers to frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, please contact your school’s health office.

Why should I consider having my child participate in this pilot program?
Testing for COVID-19 is one more way we can do our part to help reduce the risk of spread. This could protect our friends, family and other community members from unintentional asymptomatic transmission.

This pilot testing project also helps local health officials determine the prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, and what safety protocols need to be adjusted to further reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. Data gathered will also help LPS, in collaboration with the health department, continue to make planning decisions about the remainder of the school year.

In addition, students have the convenience of getting tested for free, at school, at a time that works in their schedule.

Will I have to quarantine while I wait for my results?
No. If you are not exhibiting symptoms or are not identified as a close contact with a person positive with COVID-19, you will not have to quarantine while you wait for results.

How often will students be tested?
This is a one time opportunity. Any future opportunities will be communicated with families when and if they become available.

What is the test?
If you consent, your child will receive a free diagnostic test for the COVID-19 virus. Collecting a specimen for testing involves inserting a small swab, similar to a Q-Tip, into the front of the nose.

Does this test screen for the recent COVID-19 variants we are hearing about?
Yes. This test will screen for all variants of COVID-19.

How will I know the test results?
COVID- 19 test results will be sent to the email provided on the consent form within 48-72 hours.

What should I do when I receive the test results?
If positive, please keep yourself or your child at home, public health will be calling to assist in answering your questions and completing the case investigation. Students who test positive will still be required to follow LPS COVID-19 protocols. This includes staying home from school during the self-isolation period identified by the health department, and reporting the absence to the school’s attendance office.

If the test results are negative, this means that the COVID-19 virus was not detected.

Who should I contact if I don’t receive the results after 72 hours?
If you do not receive results after the 72 hour period, contact the Test Nebraska Hotline at 402-207-9377.

Updated March 15, 2021