ATTICA, Kan. — Attica USD 511 has become the second Kansas school district in just over two weeks to cancel classes and all extracurricular activities due to a significant spike in student and staff illness.
On Monday, district officials in Harper County announced the immediate suspension of school operations. According to the district’s social media page, the closure is expected to last through Wednesday, with classes and activities tentatively scheduled to resume on Thursday, February 5.
The decision follows a similar move by Fairfield USD 310 in Reno County, which canceled classes and activities on January 14 after a similar wave of sickness hit its community.
“The decision was made out of an abundance of caution to protect the health and well-being of students, staff and families,” the district stated in its announcement.
A Growing Trend
The closure in Attica highlights a concerning trend across the region as schools grapple with rising rates of seasonal illness. While the specific nature of the sickness in Attica was not detailed, recent closures in neighboring districts have been attributed to a mix of flu, strep throat, and other respiratory viruses.
Impact on Activities
Beyond the classroom, the closure in Attica affects all scheduled athletic events and school-sponsored gatherings. District officials will continue to monitor the health of the student body and staff throughout the week to ensure it is safe to return on Thursday.
