Garner ISD in Weatherford, Texas, has closed its schools for the rest of the week due to a significant rise in sickness among students and staff and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 29.
The key details are:
- High Absenteeism: Over 10% of students are absent because of illness, prompting the district to take action.
- Symptoms and Concerns: The prevalent symptoms include flu-like signs such as fever and headaches.
- Response and Measures: Superintendent Rebecca Hallmark highlighted the importance of this closure for health and sanitation purposes.
- Community Aid: Garner Baptist Church steps in to offer a food pantry for affected families.
Garner ISD Superintendent Rebecca Hallmark says the district has just under 370 students.
"We started the day {Tuesday} with about 56 students out. And out of 367 students, that's a pretty big chunk. So we started watching," said Garner ISD Superintendent Rebecca Hallmark.
"by 2 p.m. Tuesday, schools sent over 30 more students home. She says most symptoms were fever and headaches. A flu diagnosis was reported.
"What really affects whether we can stay open is if we have available staff," she said. "Because what starts happening is teachers have kids, too. Parent professionals have kids here, too. They start having to go home."- Garner ISD Superintendent Rebecca Hallmark.
They have to have at least one adult per 20 kids.
"Sometimes you can put some groups together. But at that point, you start spreading the illness," -Garner ISD Superintendent Rebecca Hallmark.
Read Also: