A charter school in Woodbury, Minnesota, has announced a transition to online classes in response to a significant outbreak of influenza among its students. The Math and Science Academy reported that over 20% of its student population has contracted influenza or influenza-like illnesses, prompting the decision to move to remote learning for the remainder of the week.
The Minnesota Department of Health mandates that schools report influenza cases when at least 10% of enrolled students are affected. As the state sees a rise in flu-related illnesses, many schools are grappling with similar challenges.
Garry Bowman, the public information officer for infectious disease epidemiology at the Department of Health, emphasized the importance of staying home when feeling unwell. “I think the No. 1 thing to do if you don’t feel well is stay home,” he stated. He also stressed the need for good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, to mitigate the spread of the virus. Vaccination is another critical measure recommended by health officials to protect against influenza.
The Math and Science Academy has noted a significant number of student absences due to illness. Given the ongoing situation, the school does not expect attendance to improve in the near term. In a communication to families, the academy stated, “After careful consideration, we are transitioning to online learning for the rest of the week, which includes afterschool activities.”
Course information and assignments will be made available on Google Classroom by 10:00 a.m. each day, ensuring that students can continue their education remotely. In their message, the academy reassured parents and guardians, saying, “The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we take this proactive step to support our school community.”
As the flu season progresses, the academy’s decision reflects a growing trend among educational institutions facing similar outbreaks. Parents and students are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines to help reduce the spread of influenza.
