Lewis County School students will have a couple of extra days home from school next week following a high number of absences because of illness.
Superintendent Jamie Weddington said several confirmed cases of flu and strep throat for staff and students prompted the decision to cancel classes until January 18.
Monday, January 15, is a school holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and Tuesday and Wednesday, January 16 and 17, have been designated as nontraditional instruction (NTI) days for the district.
Staff will report to work on Tuesday and Wednesday, weather permitting, and be available to students by phone and email, Weddington said.
Staff members will also be working to sanitize buses and buildings during those days and Weddington says he urges parents to sanitize student belongings and help to limit exposure to others who are sick or exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
Classes will resume for students, weather permitting, on Thursday, January 18.
Superintendent Weddington’s letter concerning the decision to cancel classes due to illness:
January 12, 2024
Dear LC Students, Staff, and Parents,
During the past school week, we have seen an increase in the number of students being sent home due to illness as well as a rise in absenteeism. The number of confirmed cases of flu and strep throat among students and staff has continued to rise.
After consulting with our local health officials, Lewis County Schools will be closed on Monday (January 15) in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday followed by Nontraditional Instruction (NTI) Day 1 and Day 2 on Tuesday (January 16) and Wednesday (January 17). During these NTI days, staff will report to school (weather permitting) and be available via phone and email to address parent or student questions.
Staff will sanitize classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, and buses during these two NTI days. We urge parents to take advantage of these additional days at home to sanitize students’ belongings and try to minimize exposure to individuals who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
We will resume normal in-person instruction on Thursday, January 18 (weather permitting).
If you have any questions regarding your student’s NTI work, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Respectfully with Lion Pride,
Jamie Weddington
Superintendent
Lewis County Schools (KY)
