On December 18th BSM’s president, Dr. Adam Ermhantrout, communicated with the faculty and staff that in the coming weeks in-school Covid testing would become available to them on a two week basis.

Natalie Ramier, BSM’s CFO, shared with us the governor’s guidance on testing in school. “Governor Walz is directing all public schools who are providing in person learning to offer testing for all on site staff every two weeks,” said Ramier. The state of Minnesota will supply schools with the training and the saliva test kits they need. The length of this program is unknown because it is contingent upon funding.

Although BSM has had a very good run so far in preventing the spread of Covid within the school walls this testing will add another layer of protection. “It is more of a safety net to see if there are alot of asymptomatic cases going on that we aren’t aware of,” Ramier said.

Some faculty members are excited to use this resource on a two week basis. “You know me; I love data, the more data we can have the better. If I can get a testing data point every two weeks, even if I’m sure i’m wearing my mask and distancing myself, I think it will help our community as a whole,” science teacher Tanner Stevens said.

Other faculty members are happy to have this resource not every two weeks but if they are ever feeling sick. “I will not get tested every two weeks. I’m only going to get tested if I develop symptoms,” Bob Lyons said.

January 14th was the kick off date for the testing of last names A-L and January 21st marks the start date for last names M-Z. The testing will run from 7:15 to 1:30 alternating between two locations: room 156 and the nurse’s office. “We are excited to give our faculty and staff this opportunity; it will add another layer of protection and an overall peace of mind,” Assistant Principal Ms. Cami Dahlstrom said.