January 2, 2022

Dear JCPS Community,

In preparation for the second semester, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is actively monitoring the number of COVID-19 cases in Louisville. Our city has seen a rise in cases linked to the new Omicron variant. While our plan is to resume in-person instruction as scheduled on Tuesday, January 4, we are continually reviewing data to understand COVID’s impact on our school community. We are committed to keeping you informed and providing updates to our families.
JCPS COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES
MASKS
The Jefferson County Board of Education approved a requirement for everyone inside of our buildings to be properly masked. This practice remains in place and is proven to be one of the best approaches to reducing the spread of COVID-19. If a student does not have a mask, one will be provided to them upon entering our buildings.
COVID-19 TESTING IN SCHOOLS
Voluntary COVID-19 testing is available to all students and staff once a week during the school day. Routine testing helps to reduce spread especially among those who may be asymptomatic. Thousands of students and staff are signed up for regular testing in their school or where they work. If you would like your student to participate, please complete the consent form.
DRIVE-THRU COVID-19 TESTING
Drive-thru testing is also available after school and in the early evening hours at more than 50 JCPS locations Sunday through Thursday. For a list of locations, times and to pre-register for a test, go to our website.
TEST TO STAY & TEST TO PLAY
Our Test to Stay and Test to Play programs will continue in JCPS. These programs have created pathways for students to continue in-person learning and extracurricular activities without spreading the virus. 

If you have a student who has been exposed to COVID-19 during the Winter Break and has been advised to quarantine, they can test on Monday, January 3 at one of our sites. If they test negative, they can attend school on Tuesday as a part of our Test to Stay program.
VACCINES
COVID-19 vaccines are available across Louisville. The vaccine is now approved for those ages 5 to 11 and continues to be available for those 12 and up. This list provides a look at all of the sites around our community where you can be vaccinated. The booster shot is also available to eligible individuals.

JCPS employees are required to be fully vaccinated or take part in mandatory regular testing. Almost 90% of our employees have shared documentation with us that shows they are fully vaccinated.
NEXT STEPS
JCPS will continue to monitor COVID-19 in our city while remaining in close contact with state and local health officials. Although the CDC shared new guidance, we are awaiting protocols from the Kentucky Department of Public Health to determine how the state might require schools to implement any new rules. Until we receive this from the state, we will continue to follow the existing guidance of a ten day quarantine for those who test positive. 

Communication with families is a priority for us and we encourage you to check email, social media and our district website for the latest updates. 

Sincerely,

Jefferson County Public Schools