School absences have been high due to illness spreading around.

According to Pella Schools Superintendent Greg Ebeling, absences were nearing 100 students this week, or just under five percent. Absences were high but also below the 10 percent threshold at Knoxville and Pleasantville.

School officials countywide remind parents to keep kids at home when sick, especially with the flu, norovirus, and other contagious diseases spreading around.