Medford elementary school cancels Thursday classes due to ‘suspected’ norovirus outbreak

Roberts Elementary School in Medford has canceled classes for Thursday due to a suspected norovirus outbreak, officials said.

In a letter sent to families, Medford Public Schools Interim Superintendent Suzanne Galusi and Roberts Elementary Principal Michelle Crowell cited a “high volume of stomach illness cases” reported at the school Wednesday. More than 130 students were absent, and present students and staff reported feeling “symptoms of an upset stomach.”

While the school is closed, a professional company will deep clean the building, according to the letter. The Medford Board of Health will also examine the cafeteria equipment to rule out “other potential causes.”

Galusi and Crowell said that they will be “developing plans to make up for the lost school day.” All other schools in the district will remain open Thursday, according to the letter.

“If you or your child is experiencing Norovirus symptoms, the Board of Health and MPS Health Services recommend that all students and staff should wait 24 hours after experiencing vomit-like symptoms before returning to school,” Galusi and Crowell said. “Maintaining a safe and clean learning environment for our students and staff is our top priority, and we thank you for your understanding.”

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