Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1288543
POSTED: 10-26-2009 05:33 PM ET | MODIFIED: 10-26-2009 05:34 PM ET
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Why Are Schools Staying Mum About Student Absences?
The flu appears to be taking a toll on schools in our area. At least one school has closed in the past few weeks because of a number of absences. In fact, rumors of higher-than-usual absences seem to be running rampant throughout the area. WFMZ's Bo Koltnow reports.
[ WEB LINK: ( FLU.gov ) ]
>> REPORTER: We've been getting a lot of tip calls saying attendence is way down in schools across our region. We wanted to know why? But just about every school we've called hasn't gotten back with us. But the Allentown School District finally did and admitted the H1N1 is a huge concern. Iris Martinez says the masks are to protect against the H1N1.
>> IRIS: This one tested positive for the H1N1. They said in three days get a vaccination.
>> REPORTER: Martinez says she keeping him out of Dodd Elementary. But the same can't be said over the fear of the H1N1. Last week, the Moravian Academy Middle School closed for the week due to a high number of student absences. Bangor School Distict's web site says attendance is down 20%. Rumors have been swirling in the Northampton Area School District. Two weeks ago, several parents e-mailed us saying anywhere from 300 to 700 kids were absent from class. After repeated attempts, the district wouldn't respond to us, but neighbor Ron Geiger heard the rumor too.
>> Word on the street a lot of kids out sick. A lot.
>> REPORTER: One parent did tell us she received a letter from the district informing her some students were sick. Allentown School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Angelo says H1N1 is a major concern. She says recent absences aren't alarming, but admits at least one teacher at Jackson Elementary has requested the use of a surgical mask when teaching.
>> DR. Angelo: We've ordered more masks because we anticipate we're going to see increase in the next few weeks.
>> REPORTER: We did learn that the Northampton School District did have a meeting about this issue today, but would not address it with us.
POSTED: 10-26-2009 05:33 PM ET | MODIFIED: 10-26-2009 05:34 PM ET
watch video watch video
Why Are Schools Staying Mum About Student Absences?
The flu appears to be taking a toll on schools in our area. At least one school has closed in the past few weeks because of a number of absences. In fact, rumors of higher-than-usual absences seem to be running rampant throughout the area. WFMZ's Bo Koltnow reports.
[ WEB LINK: ( FLU.gov ) ]
>> REPORTER: We've been getting a lot of tip calls saying attendence is way down in schools across our region. We wanted to know why? But just about every school we've called hasn't gotten back with us. But the Allentown School District finally did and admitted the H1N1 is a huge concern. Iris Martinez says the masks are to protect against the H1N1.
>> IRIS: This one tested positive for the H1N1. They said in three days get a vaccination.
>> REPORTER: Martinez says she keeping him out of Dodd Elementary. But the same can't be said over the fear of the H1N1. Last week, the Moravian Academy Middle School closed for the week due to a high number of student absences. Bangor School Distict's web site says attendance is down 20%. Rumors have been swirling in the Northampton Area School District. Two weeks ago, several parents e-mailed us saying anywhere from 300 to 700 kids were absent from class. After repeated attempts, the district wouldn't respond to us, but neighbor Ron Geiger heard the rumor too.
>> Word on the street a lot of kids out sick. A lot.
>> REPORTER: One parent did tell us she received a letter from the district informing her some students were sick. Allentown School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Angelo says H1N1 is a major concern. She says recent absences aren't alarming, but admits at least one teacher at Jackson Elementary has requested the use of a surgical mask when teaching.
>> DR. Angelo: We've ordered more masks because we anticipate we're going to see increase in the next few weeks.
>> REPORTER: We did learn that the Northampton School District did have a meeting about this issue today, but would not address it with us.