September 27, 2021

The Bangor School Department is happy to announce its participation in the COVID-19 pooled testing services with Concentric by Ginkgo provided through a partnership with the State of Maine Department of Education starting October 4, 2021.

“We heard from parents and students that they want a full educational experience with activities and athletics. As a department, we felt that it was crucial to offer all available resources to protect our students, and to ensure that they can have access to as many extra and co-curricular activities as possible without fear of being placed in quarantine. As the delta variant continues to surge through our state it is up to all of us to help keep our students safe and give them the opportunity to access as much in-person hands-on education as possible. By offering a multidimensional approach that includes vaccination, mask wearing, social distancing, improved ventilation, handwashing, and pooled testing we are using all of the tools available to us to ensure access to in-person learning” said Superintendent, James Tager.

The test is a self administered nasal swab of the lower nasal cavity. Students who participate in the program will be exempt from classroom and community quarantine as long as they test negative. Parents and guardians will be able to opt into the program through forms sent home with students on September 28. Forms may also be found on the Bangor School Department website.

For more information, please contact the Office of Pupil Services at 207-992-4173.