Paris R-II Schools cancel classes due to widespread illness

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Paris R-II schools will not be in session Friday due to several students and staff becoming sick.

On Thursday, Paris R-II School District Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith wrote a letter to students and their families regarding the decision to cancel school. The letter states that the district is monitoring the illness rates of both students and staff. According to the letter, student attendance rates dropped dramatically Thursday, which was already lower than normal at the beginning of the week.

Smith also stated that a significant number of staff were impacted. By the end of Thursday, approximately 25% of students and staff were unable to remain in attendance.

Smith says the cancellation of school Friday provides an opportunity for rest and recovery for affected students and staff during the three-day weekend holiday. This also provides an opportunity for custodial staff to thoroughly disinfect classrooms and restrooms, along with other areas of the school.

The school district asks families to take precautions at home to help neutralize the current spread of illness.