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FAQ
- Uploading Your Child's Vaccine Documentation
- Uploading Your Child's Test Results
- General Questions
- On-Campus Testing: March 23-24
- Testing Somewhere Other Than GFS
- Quarantining In Lieu Of Testing
- Virtual Learners
Uploading Your Child's Vaccine Documentation
As we continue evaluating how COVID-19 vaccinations may impact our ability to ease some restrictions, it is helpful to have proper documentation. If you child has received their COVID-19 vaccine, please refer to the steps below to upload documentation into their Magnus Health account. As with any sensitive medical information, we are not able to upload this information for you.
To upload your child's proof of vaccination:
- Access your child's Magnus Health account via the Magnus Health app or by logging into the GFS parent portal at gfs.org/parent and clicking the bottom link to log into Magnus Health.
- Select Student Health Tracker. On the app, this is in the lower left hand corner.
- Find the requirement labeled Immunization Form (screenshot is from the app: NOTE: You may need to answer several required conditional questions before you get to this screen.)
- Tap on the header on the app or click Edit on the website. Be sure you are tapping in the box, NOT on the blue link.
- On the next screen:
- On the app, you will select Add Files and then Continue.
- On the website, you will select Yes, continue; on the next screen, select Yes, Submit.
- Upload a jpg or PDF of your child's COVID-19 documentation:
- On the app, select Add File, then follow prompts to take a photo or add a file from your photo library.
- On the website, select Upload and then Choose File to locate the file on your computer.
- Submit the documentation:
- On the app, ensure there is an orange circle with a check mark next to your file name, then click Submit.
- On the website, once your file is selected, click Upload Files
Uploading Your Child's Test Results
Uploading your child's test results only takes a few moments and can be done through the app or the web portal. Unfortunately, we are not able to upload this information for you, even if your child tested on campus. Like all confidential health information, this must be uploaded by each student's parent or guardian.
To upload your results:
- Have your child's test results ready as a PDF or jpg.
- Go to your child's Magnus Health account, either through the Parent Portal (gfs.org/parent) or through the Magnus Health App. If on the app, Click on "Student Health Tracker" in the bottom left.
- At the bottom, you will see a "Return from Spring Break COVID-19 TEST or CERTIFICATION of QUARANTINE" requirement that is marked as incomplete. Select it. (Note screenshots are from the app)
- Answer YES to the next question that your student will be returning to in-person learning, and select "Continue to form"
- To upload your child's results, select "Submit requirement"
- Click "Add File" to upload the PDF or jpg of your child's test results. You will be prompted to select a file from your phone/computer or to take a photo. We can accept a photo of the results if you are having problems attaching a file.
- Once the file is uploaded, click to indicate this is the file you want to use. There should be an orange circle with a check mark in it. Select "Submit."
General Questions
Why is testing being required now?
The length of Spring Break and the higher probability of members of our community traveling and/or gathering with those outside of their household during the holidays makes testing an important component of our safe return to campus. This decision was made after consultation with medical professionals and our campus leadership team.
Will any of the on-campus restrictions or preventative measures change since everyone has been tested?
Absolutely not. Testing is one tool to help us safely reopen after extended breaks. However, all preventative measures and expectations—including social distancing, mask-wearing and daily health checks—that have helped us remain open throughout this year will still be in place once students return to campus. While useful, testing serves as a snapshot of a point in time. Our shared responsibility to follow these guidelines and mandates remains of utmost importance to our ability to stay open for in-person learning.
Will those who have been vaccinated still need to be tested?
Yes. Faculty or staff members who are fully vaccinated will still need to provide a negative test result.
On-Campus Testing: March 23-24
How do we get our results?
When you arrive for your test, you will receive instructions on how to access your test results using a QR code/website provided by Avalon Lab Solutions, your test ID and your date of birth; GFS will also receive notice of your results. This information will be kept confidential. If your test result is negative, you are cleared to return on Monday, March 29. If you receive a positive result, our Health Center will be following up with next steps.
You will need to upload your child's results into their Magnus Health account. To do this:
1. Using the index card given to you when you arrived for your test, access your test results through Avalon Lab Solutions.
2. Once you view your child's results, download them onto your computer or take a screenshot. This is what you will upload into Magnus Health.
3. Log into the Parent Portal at gfs.org/parent.
4. Click on the last option to access Magnus Health.
5. You will see a requirement on your child's account asking if your student will be returning to campus. Answer YES.
6. On the next screen, answer YES to the next question (see example below) and upload a PDF or jpg of your child's results. (Note: You do not need any special form to submit test results; you should upload the PDF or screenshot of the results from Avalon.)
What do we do when we arrive for my child's test?
- Everyone in the car should be wearing masks.
- Please arrive for your appointment with your child’s Order ID (see example below), which you received when you registered, available (either printed or easily available on your phone).
- Enter through the Garrison Forest Road entrance.
- You will be directed to your first stop, where our testing partners will confirm your paperwork and provide information needed to receive your child’s test results in 24-48 hours.
- You will then be directed to the drop-off loop in front of the Middle School. Please remain in your car. The test will be conducted through your window. The test usually takes less than 30 seconds.
Who is doing the testing?
We will be partnering with Avalon Lab Solutions, located nearby, to process the testing. Their location and having dedicated lab space ensures a timely test result for anyone testing with us. The nurses from CMAG Health Solutions will administer tests, which are full PCR/RNA extraction. CMAG is co-owned by GFS alumna Angela Gustus ’93.
Is there a charge for testing?
A $75 fee per student will be charged to your student’s account for testing done on campus. Using a company with a dedicated lab space ensures a result within 24-48 hours and a more streamlined record keeping process. Families may choose to test elsewhere; however, they should be testing the week of March 22 (no earlier) and providing results to GFS at least 48 hours before their child is set to return to on-campus testing. If results are not received in time, you should plan for your child to learn virtually for that week.
How does testing work?
You will receive an email to sign up for a time slot to test on Wednesday, March 23 or Thursday, March 24. After signing up, you will receive a confirmation number that you will need to bring with you. On-campus testing will be a drive-through set-up. Everyone will remain in their car. The test should take less than 30 seconds.
How can I help my child prepare to be tested?
There is nothing special you need to do. The testers are experienced professionals who have provided this service for other schools and are used to working with children. Please leave your child in their car seat if they are in one. Encourage them to stay calm. The procedure is painless and takes less than 30 seconds but will take longer if they are not able to remain still. Provide positive reinforcement throughout the process. This article provides some tips on preparing children for a COVID test.
How do we sign up for on-campus testing?
Tests will be offered by appointment only on the GFS campus during the following times:
Wednesday, March 23: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Thursday, March24: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
To sign up:
- See your email for the link to sign-up for testing.
- Fill out all applicable fields. Note that this information will go directly to Avalon Lab Solutions so they can match each test with the appropriate person. They will not share this information with anyone else. In addition, the information being collected is mandated by the State of Maryland.
- If you have multiple children at GFS, you will need to complete this process for each person who will be testing. Note that a fee of $75 per test will be charged to your student’s account.
- Once you complete the form, you will receive an email from Avalon Laboratory Solutions with an order/ID number and instructions on how to choose a time slot. (Note that this email may go to your “Promotions” or “Update” tab in Gmail.)
- Click on the link provided to choose a time slot. You will receive a confirmation email from Avalon Laboratory Solutions.
- Sign-ups close 48 hours prior to the testing date.
Testing Somewhere Other Than GFS
How do I submit my child's test results from a non-GFS testing facility?
Test results should be entered via your child’s Magnus Health account. To do this:
- Log into the Parent Portal at gfs.org/parent.
- Click on the last option to access Magnus Health.
- You will see a requirement on your child’s account asking if your student will be returning to campus. Answer YES.
- When your child’s results are ready to upload, answer Yes to the next question (see example below) and upload a PDF or jpg of your child’s results. (Note: you do not need any special form to submit test results; you should upload what is provided to you by your testing service. Selecting “No, download my form” here will take you to the Certification of Quarantine form, which you do not need.)
We want to test somewhere other than GFS. What do we need to do?
You may choose to use another testing site for your child’s test; however, your student must test AFTER March 22 and test results must be submitted to the GFS Health Center at least two days prior to your child's return to school. This must be a PCR test; antigen (“rapid”) tests will not be accepted. Please note that if a negative test result cannot be provided by 48 hours before your child is scheduled to return to campus, your child should plan to learn virtually for that week. You will receive instructions on submitting your child's test results via Magnus Health next week.
Quarantining In Lieu Of Testing
We can not or do not want to be tested. What are our options?
Families who can not or do not want to test may choose to quarantine. (Note: this only applies to asymptomatic individuals.) Your child’s quarantine would start on Tuesday, March 23, with a return to school on Tuesday, April 6. During this time, they would be expected to fully comply with all quarantine mandates, including monitoring for symptoms and avoiding contact with anyone outside of your household. This includes sporting events and any and all social interactions. You will need to affirm that your child has complied with these mandates by uploading a completed copy of this Quarantine Certification form to Magnus Health.
If this is the option you are choosing, you will upload the Certification of Quarantine form via your child’s Magnus Health account. To do this:
- Log into the Parent Portal at gfs.org/parent.
- Click on the last option to access Magnus Health.
- You will see a requirement on your child’s account asking if your student will be returning to campus. Answer YES.
- On the next screen, you will see the option to upload the completed Certification of Quarantine form if you have already filled it out, or an option to download the form if you need it. (Example below.)
Virtual Learners
We are not planning to return to on-campus learning and will remain virtual for the foreseeable future. What do we need to do?
If your student will remain virtual, please be in touch with your Division Head if you haven’t already done so, and you will also need to respond to the requirement on your child’s Magnus Health account. This helps us maintain accurate records of our student body to ensure we have what we need. To do this:
- Log into the Parent Portal at gfs.org/parent.
- Click on the last option to access Magnus Health.
- You will see a requirement on your child’s account asking if your student will be returning to campus. Answer NO.