Over the past two weeks, we have seen a dramatic rise in student illnesses, specifically with confirmed Flu A cases. Last Tuesday, Nov. 1, we recorded 19 absences due to illness. Yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 8, we recorded 36 absences due to illness. That total puts us right around a 76% attendance rate. Additionally, several of our teachers are now showing symptoms. 

If you were here last year, you will remember that we had to close school for several days in November due to Covid. This morning, I went back and checked my data. When the decision was made to close, we had 16 positive Covid cases. The reason we had to close was due to the quarantine guidelines at the time which stated that everyone with close contact had to stay home. As those 16 cases were spread across several classrooms, it was in our best interest to move everyone to NTI.

In comparison, what is going around at the moment is far more serious. We've had several students in and out of the ER with flu complications, severe fevers, cough/congestion, and unfortunately, it's not slowing down.

For these reasons, I've made the decision to close Good Shepherd tomorrow and Friday. These two days WILL NOT be NTI. Instead, these days should be taken to rest and recover without the fear of falling further behind. All three of my own kids tested positive over the weekend, and I can tell you from first hand experience, that what they needed most of all was complete rest.

Aftercare will be open today, Wednesday, Nov. 9th. However, all afterschool activities and athletics will be cancelled until Monday, November 14th.

To make these days up, we will now be in session on Monday, April 10th and our last day will be moved to Friday, May 26th (it will remain a half day). Any future snow days or school-wide illness days will be NTI days.

Please know that this is a difficult decision, one that is not made lightly. I understand that some of you may have questions or concerns and I would encourage you to reach out to me. Please continue to keep all of our Good Shepherd families, students, and staff members in your prayers. As we are still early in the "illness season", let us give each other support and grace as we try to do what's best for our students.