'Sick kids everywhere:' Mother of Good Counsel School in Milwaukee re-opens after flu outbreak



MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee school was back in session Monday, Feb. 12 after a bad bout with the flu. The principal of Mother of Good Counsel canceled class after more than 30 percent of her students came down with flu-like symptoms last week.

Principal Regina Shaw



Covered from head to toe in protective suits, boots and masks, a team of five scoured every inch of Mother of Good Counsel School.

"It was non-stop for three days. The floors, the walls where children touch, every desk, every chair. All scrubbed," said Principal Regina Shaw.

The cleaning crews did their best to expel the virus that wreaked havoc on students and teachers.

Mother of Good Counsel School





"We had sick kids everywhere. They were sitting on chairs, sleeping on floors -- waiting for parents to pick them up. It was heart-wrenching," said Principal Shaw.

It led to a career first for Principal Shaw. When more than 30 percent of her students and a handful of teachers came down with the bug --  she canceled class -- kicking everyone out of the building, except her maintenance crew that came in to kick the flu out.

"Hopefully we broke that cycle," said Principal Shaw.

Mother of Good Counsel School



As of Monday morning, 30 kids and one teacher were still out sick. Principal Shaw said she's hopeful the worst is over. She said she's still keeping close watch.

"We have to do everything we can to keep our children safe," said Principal Shaw.

Mother of Good Counsel School



Principal Shaw said her team is on stand-by, ready to suit up and battle the flu again if needed.

Mother of Good Counsel School will have to make up one of the three days it was closed. Principal Shaw said she's already scheduled class on what was supposed to be a teacher in-service day.