MILWAUKEE – An elementary school in Milwaukee has closed for the rest of the week due to the high number of students who were out sick.
On Tuesday evening, Mother of Good Counsel School made the decision to close for the rest of the week after consulting with the Milwaukee Health Department and the Archdioceses of Milwaukee.
The school stated in a letter sent home to parents that they were hit "very hard" by this year's flu virus.
At the end of the school day Tuesday, the school reported there were 64 students (approximately 30% of the student population) and four teachers (roughly 25% of the teaching staff) who were either out sick or went home sick during the day.
The school said it will have crews in to sanitize the building in the coming days, and plans to reopen on Monday.
Molly Lieberman, a music teacher at Pius XI High School who every Wednesday and Thursday provides private lessons to roughly a dozen kids at Mother of Good Counsel, said she was upset by the news.
"It's had knowing (the students) are not feeling well. I'm just hoping they have their chicken noodle soup and feel better soon," Lieberman said.
"I get used to seeing those students every week," Lieberman added. "So it's sad not to see them today."
When the school reopens on Monday, it will continue to encourage all students who are showing flu symptoms to stay home.
Local health officials continue to encourage everyone who has not done so to get a flu shot.
