— some Grady County schools reported heavy absenteeism with students sidelined by flu-like symptoms, but Chickasha Public Schools isn't affected. Hardest hit were Friend School and Amber-Pocasset Junior High and High Schools. "We haven't seen a real spike in any of our numbers," said Dwight Yokum, director of business and finance operations for Chickasha Public Schools. Yokum recalled that in September and October 2009, the district had a "significant number out with the flu." since that outbreak, the district beefed up preventive measures, including increased availability to hand sanitizers. Students also receive instruction in such health basics as covering a cough and proper hand-washing. "If we have a student running a fever, we do our part to isolate them," Yokum continued. Tonya Harris, secretary at Friend School, said there were 42 absences out of an enrollment of 195 students. some symptoms were intestinal, with students suffering nausea and diarrhea. Others were out with strep throat, she added. "the junior high and high school are hit harder than the elementary," said Jenny Thornburg, secretary at Amber-Pocasset High School. "We have around 50 out today." the junior high and high school have a combined enrollment of about 210. Symptoms there included high fever, aches and chills. At rush Springs, Diedre Hale, superintendent's secretary, reported a high number of absences at the elementary school, but not the middle or high schools. about a quarter of the students at Middleberg School were absent Monday, said Stephanie Barker, secretary. Middleberg has about 200 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Actual attendance numbers weren't available for Ninnekah Schools, but a spokeswoman confirmed a spike in absences from the high school. Things were better at the elementary school. "It's not that bad. Not everything is flu-related. It's not hitting us that hard yet," she said. "I think we're pretty good at the moment," said Brenda Davidson, Verden Elementary School secretary. "We have seven absences and sent one home today. a few were absent last week with fever." Pioneer School also appeared to be dodging the bullet, according to Sue Bingham, attendance secretary. "so far our attendance has been pretty normal," said Janice Clift, secretary. "We had some absences, but not an excess at this time. I hope it doesn't hit our school." Attendance was normal at Minco and Tuttle schools.