Middle School Closes Early Due to Staff Absences

Students at Amherst Regional Middle School were sent home early on Friday, December 19, because of staffing shortages due to illness. Staff at the middle school reported that 25 teachers were absent on Friday, and estimated that as many as one- third of the students were absent earlier in the week due to illness. Area parents have reported a high incidence of influenza among school children and the town’s public health update notes that flu is on the rise in the Amherst area.

Caregivers received a text from Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman on Friday morning stating:  “This is Dr. Xi with an important message for families. Due to a high number of student and staff absences today, the Amherst Regional Middle School will have an early dismissal at 11:41 a.m.  Students will receive a bag lunch before dismissal. Again, early dismissal at ARMS at 11:41 a.m.  Thank you.” Staff reported that absences among students and staff have been high all week and that the school underwent a deep cleaning on Wednesday Dec. 17.

The school administration did not respond to the Indy’s inquiries about the early dismissal and the nature of the absences.