Flu cancels all Raytown schools Monday

RAYTOWN, Mo. - A heavy dose of the flu has caused officials to cancel all schools in the Raytown School District Monday.

Cathie Allie, community relations coordinator, said the district began notifying families Friday, shortly after 6 p.m. with robocalls.

A letter was sent home with students with information on flu and flu-like symptoms.

District officials said they plan to disinfect all the schools this weekend and on Monday. The district also plans to disinfect its school buses.

Allie added that many students and staff have missed several days.

Little Blue Elementary has 32 staffers, and 13 of those members were sick and home from school Friday.

Another elementary school reported that only 65 percent of the students were in class Friday.

District officials plan to have school back on Tuesday, Jan. 31, and hope to get a better feel on if the flu has run its course.

"It seemed important to have Monday off to give students and staff a chance to get healthy and give us a chance to clean our buildings and busses to make sure we have the healthiest environment" said Steve Shelton.

Another robocall is expected to be placed Sunday night reminding families that school will be canceled Monday.

Most of the students don't mind having Monday off.

"I'm happy as a senior we haven't had too many snow days this year," said R.J. Harris.