The Bonner Springs school district will not hold classes on Thursday and Friday because of an increase in student and staff illness, according to a district spokesman.
On Wednesday, the district had just under 25 percent of its student population out, stated Kaela Williams, communications coordinator.
Because Monday is a holiday, Martin Luther King Day, students will not return to school until Tuesday, according to Williams.
The Unified Government Health Department has been reporting new positive COVID-19 cases of around 500 a day recently. From Tuesday to Wednesday, there were 861 new cases reported in Wyandotte County, according to the Health Department figures.
The school district posted a message on its website and also sent a letter to parents.
The letter to parents, released by Williams:
“USD 204 Families,
“Our district is now experiencing an uptick in student and staff absences. Today, nearly a quarter of our student body was absent due to illness. In an effort to give students and staff time to get well and avoid causing further disruption in the learning process, school will not be in session on Thursday, January 13th and Friday, January 14th. Please note next week starts with a scheduled day off on Monday, January 17th for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
“The goal of this change in schedule is to reduce the further spread of illness among our school community and give those who are sick a chance to recuperate. Each year, a number of days are built into the calendar to accommodate for inclement weather; these two days will be treated similarly to inclement weather days.
“As your student prepares to return to school on Tuesday, January 18th please continue to monitor them daily for any illness symptoms and keep them home if they are sick. It is imperative that we continue to be diligent about this and your partnership is greatly appreciated.”