CHEVIOT, Ohio -- One Tri-State school is shutting down for the rest of the week over concerns of the spread of the H1N1 virus also known as the swine flu.
St. Martin of Tours Elementary School in Cheviot made the decision Monday after a number of students stayed home sick.
Heidi Westfelt's son, Joseph, showed his mom the letter officials sent home with students announcing the school would be closed for the remainder of the week.
"I know Friday that there were 11 kids in my son's class that were absent. It was just a matter of time. I think it's a good idea to let everybody rest up before they come back to school being healthy," said Westfelt.
The letter informed parents, due to concerns over probable cases of the H1N1 virus continuing to spread, that school would close and classrooms would be sanitized before students return next Monday.
"I've got three kids at home that's sick that didn't come today. I've got two that's still here. I guess just so many kids have called off or it's just getting so bad here that they called the rest of the school week off. I guess it's easier that way than to just keep passing it around," said parent Shane Gaskins.
Parents also received a packet explaining that St. Martin would offer the H1N1 vaccination once it becomes available.
Parents say the timing is perfect to cancel class since students were already scheduled not to be in school this Thursday and Friday due to a teacher training conference.
"It may save a lot of headaches later on. If everybody comes down with it, we're going to have a full fledged epidemic. I'd rather see it where the children are home where you can keep an eye on them and make them wash their hands thoroughly," said Sandy Young, whose nephew attends the school.
Parents have also been asked to keep their kids at home.
The school doesn't want them to hang out at the mall or any public places, so they will reduce their chances of coming in contact with the flu virus again.
