Marblehead Schools To Distribute COVID-19 Tests Prior To Holiday Break

MARBLEHEAD, MA — All Marblehead Public Schools students and staff will receive a COVID-19 test kit next week ahead of the holiday break for intended use prior to the return to the classroom in January.

The district is distributing the at-home rapid tests through a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Executive Office of Health and Human Services program providing districts with the one-time distribution of the at-home, rapid tests this year.

Building principals will share the distribution details specific to their school with students and families. Some of the distribution will begin on Tuesday and continue through the end of the week.

"Although it is not mandatory we hope that everyone will strongly consider testing before returning to school after the December holidays," Superintendent John Buckey said in his weekly newsletter to the school community.

Buckey added that, while COVID-19 restrictions of the past two school years are no longer in place, some of the hardships of the pandemic remain for teachers, students and staff.

"School breaks always seem to come at just the right time," he said. "This holiday recess is no exception. While we all wanted this year to be easier for everyone — staff, students, families,
leaders — in many ways it has been harder.

"The impacts of the pandemic on teaching and learning as well as social emotional and mental health continue to present challenges none of us want or expected. I am grateful for the hardworking teachers and staff of MPS who continue to persevere through these difficulties. I hope this break provides a needed respite and the opportunity for families to celebrate not only
the season but grace that is so valued and necessary all year."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)