Rockdale’s Honey Creek Elementary resumes classes after “sick-out” day

Honey Creek Elementary School students and faculty returned to school on Tuesday, Sept. 25, after the school underwent a thorough “scrub.” School officials ordered faculty not to report and parents to keep their children home on Monday so that a thorough cleaning of the school could be conducted in response to a number of absences last week believed to be caused by a gastrointestinal virus.

School officials had sent out a letter and robo call advising parents   about 20 percent of the students and staff became sick with a gastrointestinal virus last week.

Cindy Ball, the school district’s spokesperson, said 91.26 percent of the school’s students attended school on Tuesday.

“We had 13 students check out during the day either from being sick or having a sibling who was ill,” said Ball.

Rockdale County Health Department officials said the “sick out day” was restricted to Honey Creek Elementary.

“We will be monitoring the situation. So far, that is the only school where we’re seeing the outbreak. The school district will keep us informed, and we will make recommendations based on the information provided,” said Chad Conner, Public Information Officer for the Health Department.

Conner said the Noro Virus typically lasts 48 to 72 hours and is spread among those in close quarters. Washing hands and cleaning surfaces are recommended, he said.

Honey Creek students will not have to make up the school day, said Cindy Ball, the school district’s spokesperson.