Optional unobserved SHIELD testing will be available to students beginning the week of August 29. Here's what you need to know:

• If you would like your child to participate, contact your school nurse. You'll be provided with a test kit and instructions; tests will be taken at home.
  
  

• Test samples will be picked up on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (the first pick up day will be August 30). Samples - taken that morning - must be in your school office's collection bin no later than 9 a.m. on those days.
  
  

• Results will be available in 24-48 hours; as was the case last year, no news is good news: the school will contact you if the test is positive.