Elementary school in Buckley cancels Friday classes after students, staff become sick with flu-like symptoms

BUCKLEY, Wash. -- Mountain Meadow Elementary School announced Thursday it will close until Monday after dozens of students and staff have developed flu-like symptoms "similar to those of norovirus."

"The school will be thoroughly deep cleaned and will reopen on Monday, May 11," the school said on its website. "Please note, after-school activities for tonight will continue as planned."

The school said it was canceling school for Friday "as a precautionary measure."

About 70 kids were ill and absent from Mountain Meadow Elementary School in Buckley Wednesday.

Although there are no lab-confirmed cases of norovirus at the school, health officials say the telltale symptoms are there -- bad cases of diarrhea and vomiting that last at least a day.

Health officials said the most important thing you and your kids can do is wash your hands, which is key to stopping the spread of the virus.

If someone in your family does come down with the virus, it's also important to clean high touch surfaces in your home with bleach-based cleaners. And, last but not least, if children are sick, keep them home so they don't infect anyone else.