BETTENDORF, IOWA (January 6, 2022) — There is always a flurry of excitement and activity on the first day back from winter break. There was also anxiety with families traveling and gathering for the holidays this year, but Rivermont's new Test-to-Stay program alleviated those fears.

Rivermont Headmaster Max Roach ordered a supply of BinaxNOW Rapid COVID tests months ago before Omicron was discovered. Tuesday was the first day back from winter break, and every student, faculty, and staff member was tested that morning. Two asymptomatic COVID-positive teachers and three students were identified and subsequently sent home.

"Test-to-Stay is about protecting our students, but it also provides the necessary protection for our teachers, many of whom have pre-existing conditions," says Roach. "Without our teachers, we would need to cancel classes."

Rivermont's approach to COVID has been to follow the science and implement reasonable measures to keep everyone safe and healthy. As a result, the school made it through an entire year with minimal disruption and no documented incidences of on-campus transmission of COVID. A recent Rivermont community survey indicates that approximately 85% of students are vaccinated or plan to get vaccinated, and the stats are the same for faculty and staff.

The Test-to-Stay program is a success. Rivermont has enough tests to get through spring break and will continue to follow the science and health department recommendations for the entire community's safety.

Rivermont Collegiate is a private, non-sectarian, independent, multicultural, college preparatory school for students in Preschool through grade 12 and boarding school for grades 9-12. We offer a nurturing, caring, and safe environment where students develop intellect, character, and creativity. For more information, visit www.rivermontcollegiate.org.

Support the River Cities' Reader

Get 12 Reader issues mailed monthly for $48/year.

Old School Subscription for Your Support

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Old School Subscribe now.



Help Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93!

 

"We're the River Cities' Reader, and we've kept the Quad Cities' only independently owned newspaper alive and free since 1993.

So please help the Reader keep going with your one-time, monthly, or annual support. With your financial support the Reader can continue providing uncensored, non-scripted, and independent journalism alongside the Quad Cities' area's most comprehensive cultural coverage." - Todd McGreevy, Publisher