Northside Christian Academy in Wadsworth Closed due to Illness
The Northside Christian Academy in Wadsworth, Ohio, was forced to close its doors on Tuesday, following an increasing number of absences among students and staff due to illness. This decision was made to prioritize the health and well-being of the 350 students and 45 staff members.
Cleaning and Disinfection Measures
The school administration promptly arranged for a thorough disinfection of the entire building. A professional cleaning crew has been tasked with sanitizing all areas to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment. The school authorities are committed to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness to prevent the further spread of any illness.
Statement from the School’s Director
The director of Northside Christian Academy, Cassandra Hartzler, expressed her concern and emphasized the importance of taking precautions during the sick season. She stated, “Unfortunately, we made the tough decision to close school for today. We have a threshold percentage we go by when we have multiple absences in our building for staff and students. This day off will allow our 350 students and 45 staff members an extra day of recovery, or to just simply enjoy the sunshine for those that aren’t under the weather. We look forward to welcoming back our staff and students tomorrow!”
Illness Consistent with the Season
Akron Children’s School Based Health Services has reported a rise in illness cases that are typical for this time of year. The seasons of November through March are commonly known as the sick season when many children get sick. Nurse Practitioner Teresa Fletcher, the lead advanced practice provider, highlighted the prevalence of strep throat and flu among students. In order to curb the spread, she advised anyone displaying symptoms such as fever and vomiting to stay home and take care of themselves.
School Closures and Precautionary Measures
In addition to Northside Christian Academy, the Prentiss Autism Center at the Positive Education Program (PEP) in the Cleveland area also canceled classes due to staff illness. However, other larger school districts in Northeast Ohio have not reported an unusually high number of absences. Healthcare providers continue to stress the importance of preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and practicing good hygiene.
Nurse Fletcher also recommended getting flu shots as a preventative action, as the flu is still prevalent even in February. Dr. Amy Edwards, the associate medical director of pediatric infection control at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, advised the COVID-19 and RSV vaccines to further protect against illnesses. Additionally, those experiencing symptoms should wear masks to prevent the spread of their illness to others.
School Building Sanitization
Northside Christian Academy prioritized the health and safety of its students and staff by initiating a full sanitization of the school building on Tuesday. They expect to resume their regular operations on Wednesday, ensuring a clean and secure learning environment for all.
Take Precautions During Sick Season
Wadsworth parent Jacque Charles emphasized the importance of taking necessary precautions to protect families against illnesses. She remarked, “When one is sick, it can just [create a] domino effect through the whole house. We’ve got to be on our kids and we’ve got to make sure we’re being good examples, too.”
Both Akron Children’s and UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s hospitals have reported illness levels that are consistent with this time of year and expect improvement as March approaches.
Disclaimer: This article is based on news obtained from reliable sources. It serves as a reminder to prioritize health and take precautions during times of increased illness; however, readers are advised to seek professional advice for specific cases.
