Four of the five children who had contact with Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan went to school Monday morning, surprising Dallas ISD administrators who expected them to return Tuesday.
“While we had planned on them coming back to school Tuesday, they were obviously eager to return back to the school environment and decided on their own to attend,” Superintendent Mike Miles said in a statement released by the district. “Because they have been cleared by medical authorities and pose no health risk to any students or staff, we have no intent on sending them home. Their interest in getting back into school is encouraging.”
The five students attend Conrad High School, Tasby Middle School, and Hotchkiss and Rogers elementary schools. In addition, three students from Richardson ISD who were being monitored because of their exposure to Duncan will now attend Jill Stone Elementary School in Dallas ISD.
The students have not been named. Richardson school spokesman Tim Clark and DISD spokesman André Riley declined to say why the three students changed districts.
DISD officials said Friday that discussions were held with school staff to ensure everyone is aware that there is no way the students have Ebola. Teachers at the campuses provided students with a lesson on the virus. Classrooms where the students returned received extra attention, including a lesson about the virus and guidance on being sensitive and conscientious.
“We feel good about the preparation our staff and students have had,” said Sherry Christian, executive director of student services for DISD.
Most of the students understand that there’s no risk of contracting the virus from the isolated kids, Christian said. Many are excited to have their friends back in class after a three-week hiatus. “We want them back and we want them to feel like they are normal students,” Christian said.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said at a news conference Monday that he hoped the kids, particularly the boy in middle school, would be accepted.
“Middle schoolers are some of the most ferocious and scary animals on the planet,” he said. “And to be dropped into a pool of middle schoolers after all they have been through … I need your help, parents. I need your help to treat that child as you would want your own child to be treated.”
Christian said the students were able to keep up with their schoolwork. They received lessons and assignments by email or Skype through a program for homebound students
Staff writer Tawnell D. Hobbs contributed to this report.
mhaag@dallasnews.com; mwatkins@dallasnews.com
