September 30, 2021

Important Note Regarding COVID-19 Testing

Dear Walla Walla Catholic School families,

The WIAA, in accordance with the Washington State Department of Health, has stated that in order for students to participate in high-risk indoor sports (basketball and indoor cheer), all unvaccinated students must submit to a COVID-19 antigen test at least 24 hours before any competition. The requirement also applies to all indoor drama productions. The WIAA says:

“Screening testing is required for all unvaccinated athletes in high contact indoor sports (basketball, wrestling, water polo). Fully vaccinated athletes do not have to participate in screening testing. Screening testing must be performed twice weekly using a molecular or antigen test. A rapid antigen test should be performed on all unvaccinated athletes within 24 hours of the competition. In a multi-day event, testing should occur before each competition.”

This requirement is in accordance with the WDOH document regarding K-12 COVID-19 Guidelines released back in August. To view this full document, click the button below. If you are looking specifically for the section involving vaccination status and testing, look at pages 15-19.

WDOH K-12 Requirements

The WIAA has also published their own FAQ document regarding COVID-19 guidelines that all leagues must follow. If you would like to see that document, click the button below.

WIAA FAQ Document

What does this mean for our WWCS students?

Unless we abide by these guidelines and engage in regular testing of unvaccinated athletes, we will not be able to compete against other schools. For that reason, Mr. Hazeltine and Mr. Rohde have both been trained in proper administration of rapid antigen testing. They will be performing these tests twice weekly starting prior to our Winter sports seasons. Note that students who provide proof of vaccination will not have to be tested. We will not be forcing students and families to divulge vaccination status. We will be proceeding under the assumption that every student is unvaccinated, unless proof of vaccination is voluntarily provided.

These same testing requirements apply not only to high-risk indoor sports, but also to our indoor drama productions, because performing arts are considered a "high aerosol indoor activity." This is per the WIAA, the WDOH, and the Washington State Educational Theater Association. That means that all of our actors in school productions must also submit to regular testing unless they are fully vaccinated. Mr. Rohde and Mr. Hazeltine will be able to perform those tests as well.

These policies regarding testing are not meant to be discriminatory against unvaccinated students, but are intended to provide the safest possible environment for all student athletes and actors in our state. These testing requirements do not change our stance at the WWCS regarding the vaccination of students. We still believe that the choice to vaccinate children is a decision best left to parents and families.

Before testing can be completed for unvaccinated students, parents must sign and return a consent form giving permission for the WWCS to administer a rapid test for their child. A printable version of that form can be found by clicking the button below.

Parent Consent Form