As is the case with many schools across the country the influenza bug has swept through Geary USD 475.

The Executive Director of Communication for the school district, Matt Droge, noted that districts across the nation have been impacted by the flu and other winter illnesses. “Our most recent numbers were 358 students out for an illness. That’s down from 500 just a couple of weeks ago, but definitely an impact in USD 475.” There are more than 7,000 students in the school district.

Droge stated, “Anytime students are away from the classroom, away from that instructional time it poses some challenges. Not just to the staff and the actual classroom atmosphere, but it also makes things a little bit more challenging for that student, especially when they’re out for an extended period of time.”

Droge said”One important thing to keep in mind is that if you have a child that has the flu or a temperature or is extremely ill it’s important to keep them home so that doesn’t spread throughout the schools. We realize that that creates an inconvenience but that’s the best way to stop the spread within the schools.” He also issued a reminder to wash your hands to help prevent the spread of illness.