The winter, with its bitter cold and biting winds, has procured yet another unpleasant threat to our well-being. A flu virus has been spreading quickly from person to person, leading to profuse illness, and, on occasion, even death. Fear not, however! The virus has not greatly affected our school, and Mr. Kennedy, the Upper School Principal, states that, “We’re strong, we will persevere, we are not panicked.”
About 5% of the middle school student body has come down with the flupocaplypse, while only 4% of the upper school has fallen prey to the epidemic’s wrath. Two upper school teachers have been absent, while no middle school teachers have missed school as a result of the flu. Teachers and kids have been out more than normal in the upper school, though the extent of absences has been about what one would suspect for this time of year. When approached by us, one callous upper schooler said, “But I don’t care about middle schoolers.”
Guest reporters Maya Wexler (‘22) and Mari Snider (‘22) interviewed a select few middle school community members on the topic.
Fotini Mourelatos (‘22) says:
Q: Have you taken any safety precautions to prevent yourself or anyone else from getting the flu?
A: “I’ve been washing my hands, using hand sanitizer, and not sneezing out in the open.” (Fotini has been sneezing, but only a little.)
Quin Stovall (‘24)
Q: Have you noticed people missing/feeling sick lately?
A: (Quin) “Yes. A lot of people have felt sick, gone to the nurse, and didn’t come back.”
Mrs. Quinn (‘98) says:
Q: Are you scared or more aware of the flu this year versus other years due to the deadliness of this year’s flu season?
A: “Yes. I don’t care about myself, I’m more worried for my kids.”