Western Wayne Schools will have an online learning day Thursday, Feb. 8, and will be closed Friday, Feb. 9, because of “a significant increase in illness among both our staff and students,” according to a statement posted to social media.
A recent surge in contagious illnesses has resulted in a substantial number of absences among both students and staff in the Cambridge City schools.
Maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment has become challenging, the Feb. 7 announcement said, and a temporary closure is necessary to prevent further spread of illness.
All middle school and elementary athletic events are being canceled from Thursday through Saturday, but high school events during the weekend are still scheduled, the statement said.
School officials said the health and well-being of both groups is their top priority, and they consulted local health authorities and Indiana Department of Education while making the decision. They will monitor the situation in the coming days but are currently planning to resume classes Monday, Feb. 12.
School officials apologized for inconveniences to families, but say they believe that the proactive measures will help “safeguard the health of our school community and expedite our return to normalcy.”
Thorough cleaning and disinfection of school facilities is planned during the break.
A version of this article appeared in the February 14 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.