Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Rhode Island schools continue to experience high absenteeism as the swine flu rampages through the state.

On Friday, 158 schools reported that more than 10 percent of students were absent. Of them, 25 schools had more than 20 percent absent. Absenteeism is typically in the low single digits at most schools at this time of year.

The school data suggest that Newport and Jamestown may be among the hardest hit communities. Both of Jamestown's schools and four of Newport's six schools reported more than 20 percent of students absent, with Newport's Frank E. Thompson Middle School missing 149 of its 587 students.

By way of comparison, on Oct. 30, 2008, only 17 schools in Rhode Island reported more than 10 percent absent, and only one recorded more than 20 percent of students out.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend closing schools to control the spread of flu. But schools may decide to close if so many people are sick that the school can't function. So far, that hasn't happened in Rhode Island this season.

The state Department of Education is posting daily reports on school absences on its Web site, reporting figures from the previous school day. Friday's numbers are now available. The site does not include historical data, however.

 Tags  education swine flu

Comments

Cynical said:

Would like to see a report on absenteeism from last year compared to this year.

Link | November 3, 2009 6:45 AM
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