Remote learning returns in Pennsylvania school district after 80 elementary students show up with flu-like symptoms

A school district near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, reverted to remote learning for a couple of days last week after dozens of elementary students were sent to the nurse's office with flu-like symptoms.

Last Wednesday, Charleroi Area School District Superintendent Ed Zelich made the decision to return to remote learning temporarily after more than 80 elementary students complained of flu-like symptoms. At least 30 were so ill they had to be sent home, and some even had to be admitted to the hospital, though whether they were taken directly from school to medical care facilities or whether parents or guardians took them from home is unclear.

"When you get 80 students visiting the office and over 30 are going home prior to noon, we have an issue," Zelich said.

Some of the students did eventually test positive for the flu. Some elementary school staff members, including cooks and custodians, also experienced flu-like symptoms and had to return home as well.

Charleroi Area School District moves to remote learning due to flu casesyoutu.be

Zelich believes this recent surge in flu or flu-like cases is the worst he has seen in his 10 years as superintendent As such, he decided to effectively close all district schools — elementary, middle, and high schools alike — for December 14 and 15, forcing students to learn virtually from their computers at home, just as they did during the government lockdowns for COVID-19.

Zelich told CBS Pittsburgh that he considers remote learning "a viable option" in such circumstances. He also believes that students can easily transition back and forth between remote and in-person learning without compromising the quality of their education, though the research suggests otherwise.

"We understand this change may cause inconvenience, but we are committed to providing a quality virtual learning experience. Please don’t hesitate to contact your school principal or district administration with questions or concerns," Zelich said in a message to parents.

All weekend school activities were canceled for December 16 and 17 as well. While students stayed home, some staff members still went to work at the school buildings to clean and sanitize them thoroughly.

A district Facebook post confirmed that classes resumed to normal at CASD schools on Monday. However, attendance rates have been abysmal this week. Reports indicate that 36% of students were absent on Monday and others were sent home because of illness.

One school district nurse told a CBS reporter that parents should keep sick kids at home to help stop the spread of the virus. School attendance, the nurse said, should not be parents' main priority for the time being.

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