HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Zeeland Public Schools Superintendent Cal De Kuiper announced that Cityside Middle School will close for the rest of this week, re-opening on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.
In a statement sent to parents and posted on social media, De Kuiper said 140 Cityside students — about 20 percent of the school body — were reported absent at Cityside Tuesday with a mix of illnesses, including respiratory and stomach viruses. Adults were also calling in ill, with 108 staff absences, which is 25 percent of the staff, reported Monday at the school, .
De Kuiper’s note said closing the school will allow students and staff members who are ill to fully recover, and provide time for the school to get a deep clearning.
ZPS officials are working alongside the Ottawa County Health Department officials to monitor illness-related absences district-wide. Health officials suggest those with flu-like symptoms and fever stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.
All other Zeeland schools remain open, De Kuiper said in his note, which included the following attendance rates this week for other buildings, which averaged 91 percent.:
All events held at Cityside Middle School through Friday evening are also canceled.
Zeeland Recreation’s Fitness Center and pools will remain open, but classes and events held within Cityside Middle School will be canceled.
Zeeland Recreation officials indicated all programs at Zeeland Rec and all other locations remain as scheduled, with Cityside events resuming on Saturday, Feb. 1.
