Oakwood back to school after closing for flu

According to Richard Scoggin, shutting down the Oakwood schools was a smart move. Tuesday was the first day back, and there were only a few students and no teachers absent. As of 8:30 a.m., OISD was at 91% in attendance. Normal attendance rate is about 96%. When compared to last week's numbers of 76% in attendance, Scoggin feels they were definitely successful in breaking the flu cycle.

Steps were taken to thoroughly disinfect every single room on the Oakwood school campus with hospital grade "bombs". Hand sanitizer dispensers were mounted throughout the hallways. Staff members and their children and athletes were given flu shots. Students were sent home who presented with a fever. Letters were sent home giving parents the warning signs of the flu and suggested actions to take. Parents were asked to keep their children home if they were running a fever. Yet, it was still not enough. Last Monday, there were thirty-two students out and many many of the teachers and staff of Oakwood I.S.D. Tuesday was even worse. With forty-two students out, and over half of the teachers and staff, the decision was made to close the school from Wednesday through Friday. The hope was that, along with the weekend, this break would break the flu cycle and get Oakwood back on its feet. This Monday was a scheduled teacher in service day so students started back on Tuesday.