Things may be improving for Duncan Middle School, as absences declined Wednesday morning.
In fact, only 113 students were absent to start the day. That number did increase to about 120 by 1 p.m. And yes, both numbers are still significantly up from the typical 60 students that may be found absent any given day.
However, last week, more than 120 students were absent each day. On Tuesday, the absences appeared to hit their peak with 138 students absent by 9 a.m. with the number growing to 150 by 1 p.m.
“Our concern is your safety,” Assistant Principal Amie Moore said.
Moore said most teachers are cleaning with antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers.
Duncan Middle School is not the only school in the area facing an increase in absences. Empire Public Schools went virtual Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Lawton Public Schools also went to distant learning Feb. 6 and 7 because of a rise in illnesses.
Although Duncan Middle School has seen several cases of the flu, there has also been an increase in cases pneumonia and nausea, both of which would be flu related.
Crystal Ford, the DMS school nurse, has sent home students who have flu-like symptoms. The school has also sent online advisories about the flu to parents.
Despite reaching some high absentee numbers, Duncan Middle School has yet to reach the threshold to close or move to virtual days.
Alexandra Stewart, the DMS attendance clerk, said an absence of at least 20 percent of the student population has been to absent for the school or the school district to close. With 750 to 800 students at the middle school, that means more than 150 students would have to be absent.
With the flu outbreak continuing, after starting in November 2024, the Demon Direct will continue to monitor the absentee situation.
For a better understanding how the number of flu cases has risen since the start of the season, visit the Oklahoma Department of Health website.
