UPDATE: Effective February 3, 2022, everything you need to know about COVID-19 testing for employees is now on our website at www.k12albemarle.org/CovidTesting.
In partnership with GENETWORx, Albemarle County Public Schools is making COVID-19 testing available to all employees. In compliance with the Albemarle County School Board’s resolution (August 12, 2021), all employees who indicated that they are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, and those who declined to identify their vaccination status on the Staff Vaccination Status Form are required to test weekly. The first test for employees who are required to test must be completed by Friday, September 24.
Keep reading for all the details, including information about COVID-19 testing through ACPS, scheduling your test, testing locations and schedules, what to do if your vaccination status changes, division protocols for testing and compliance, and more. Please email vaccine@k12albemarle.org with questions.
About ACPS COVID-19 Testing
Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) is partnering with GENETWORx, a leader in precision COVID-19 testing, providing support, results and clarity with regard to COVID-19 testing. Staff from GENETWORx will operate each of our local testing sites. The GENETWORx lab, located in Richmond, will process each of the COVID-19 tests.
Employees who are required to test will receive, or have already received, a very important email from info@auratracker.org with the subject line: Aura: Set Password. This email provides ACPS employees with access to the GENETWORx online system, Aura Sequential Testing. By following the instructions in this email, employees will be able to schedule testing appointments and view their COVID-19 test results. (Click here to see an example of that email.) Please make sure to pay close attention to this email so that you are able to register and be prepared for your COVID-19 test! If you do not receive the email, you may go to any of the sites during testing hours (no appointment required) and they will register you there.
Fully vaccinated employees may also utilize ACPS testing sites. Vaccinated employees who choose to test will register on-site when they arrive for testing.
For more information about the Aura online system, including instructions on how to get started, please view the Aura FAQ for Users.
Scheduling Your First Test
ACPS COVID-19 testing is now available and will continue until further notice at the locations, days and times listed below. Testing is offered at various locations and times for the convenience of our employees. Employees are not required to test at the same site or on the same schedule each week. We ask that you schedule testing during work hours in coordination with your supervisor.
Note for FLSA non-exempt employees: If your supervisor determines that your work does not allow for testing during work hours, you will be able to clock in and out while at a testing site after hours. This must be approved by your supervisor.
Testing Locations and Schedule
The testing schedule has been updated since this message was shared with employees. View the updated testing schedule as of October 29, 2021.
The following schedule is valid from September 16 – October 28, 2021:
| Testing Location | Testing Days | Testing Hours |
| Albemarle High School 2775 Hydraulic Road, Charlottesville Drive-thru; tent in rear bus loop area | Tuesday Thursday | 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
| Western Albemarle High School 5941 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Crozet Drive-thru; tent in parking lot near Athletics | Thursday Friday | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
| Walton Middle School 4217 Red Hill Road, Charlottesville Amphitheater (inside) | Thursday Friday | 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. |
| Center I 1180 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville Drive-thru; upper parking lot | Monday Wednesday Friday | 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. |
Hint: Click on the link for each school for more detailed information about that testing site.
What type of test is available?
Employees will be given a PCR test using a gentle (mid-turbinate) nose swab. This type of PCR test is different from other PCR tests in that the swab only enters the nostril about three-quarters of an inch. This type of test is being used due to ease of use and the high level of accuracy in diagnosing COVID-19. Here is information from the CDC regarding how this type of test is done.
We have heard from several employees about a preference for a saliva test. We have worked with GENETWORx to have this type of test available. If you choose to take the saliva test, you will need to make sure the following guidelines are followed: You should not eat, drink, chew gum, etc., for 30 minutes prior to submitting a sample. You also need to be well hydrated in order to have enough saliva to make the test valid. The availability of this option is subject to change based on supply availability or other factors. We will communicate any changes if necessary.
What should I do if my vaccination status changes?
If you choose to get a COVID-19 vaccination, you will need to complete the Staff Vaccination Status Form available at at vaccine.k12albemarle.org each time your vaccination status changes. While this is the same link to the survey initially completed, your new information will override your existing information. If you have trouble accessing the form, please email vaccine@k12albemarle.org.
More Information
For more information about Albemarle County Public Schools’ efforts to reduce transmission of COVID-19 among division employees and the public, protect people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications, and maintain essential services for the public, view the Administrative Protocol for COVID-19 Testing and Compliance.
We hope that this update provides information that helps you get started with our testing program. For answers to commonly asked questions, please reference our COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing FAQ. You may also email vaccine@k12albemarle.org if you have questions or need additional information.
Thank you for all that you are doing to help keep our community safe.