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Fewer schools closing over flu concerns
Attendance much better across most West Michigan
Updated: Monday, 26 Oct 2009, 6:26 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 26 Oct 2009, 4:54 PM EDT
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - On Monday, 16 schools were closed due to swine flu and seasonal influenza concerns. As many as 50 schools were closed for the same reasons last week.
24 Hour News 8 placed calls to districts throughout West Michigan to see where their numbers stand.
In Bangor, where classes were canceled Friday, 26 percent of the student body was out last week. On Monday, 21.5 percent was out.
At Thornapple-Kellogg, the numbers improved. About 20 percent of students called in sick last week, compared to 11 percent out Monday.
In Belding, where school was closed Thursday and Friday, 500 students were out Wednesday. School officials say the number now stands at 190.
In Sparta, 20 percent of the district's students were sick and on Monday, the number was down to 9 percent. The schools were closed Thursday and Friday.
Ada Christian was back Monday with more than 96 percent attendance. It was parents who supported the decision to close last week, school leaders told 24 Hour News 8.
"The response has been totally supportive," Ada Christian Interim Principal Daniel Day said. "I did not have one negative phone call or e-mail in return. People were supportive and understanding and appreciative of the action takes."
However, there were a few exceptions. In South Haven, absentees were up 6 percent.
The Tri-County district opened Monday but closed down the rest of the week.
24 Hour News 8 will continue to keep you posted with school closings information.
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