Schools

Residents React to Lincoln School Closure

Mixed opinions to up-coming two-day closing due to a "flu-like illness."

The decision by Schools Superintendent Margaret Dolan to close the Early Childhood Learning Center at Lincoln School on Monday and Tuesday because a cluster of students reported having a "flu-like illness" has received mixed opinions from Westfield residents. Westfield Patch talked to residents Saturday at the Westfield Neighborhood Council Street Fair, the First Congregational Church tag sale and the Memorial Pool for their reactions to Dolan's decision. The Board of Education has stressed that there is no confirmation of any student having H1N1 swine flu at the school.

Question

What are your thoughts of the decision to close Lincoln School for two days next week because of a cluster of students having a "flu-like illness" in the school?

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Answers

"I guess it's not a terrible thing. I would want it based on how many kids who have been diagnosed with it." Joann Araya

Find out what's happening in Westfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I think if a lot of kids are sick it's a good idea so no one gets infected. It's probably not as big as people are making it, but you don't want kids to get infected." Katie Brown

"I don't have a child in the school. I think people are panicking but for two days, I don't believe it's a big deal. It's a hard decision." Lisa Switlyk

"It's better to be safe than sorry. Having the scares in New York it is something that can be a serious injury. Until they know what it is, I don't see the harm." Michael Conte

"If there are that many sick kids, it is a good decision." Dana Diziki

"It may be an overreaction if it is flu-like symptoms. But I don't know all the details." Eric Colby.


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