The Lathrop School District said all classes would be cancelled Friday because a large number of students have flu-like symptoms.

In a statement on the district’s Web site, officials said more than 25% of elementary students and staff were sick on Thursday. There was also an increase in symptoms at the high school and middle school, although the situation was not quite so bad at those facilities.

“I really feel bad for doing this, but academically, tomorrow would be a complete waste for the elementary,” said Superintendent Chris Fine. “We are also hopeful that by not having school fewer students will be exposed and become sick.”

Fine says the district’s custodial staff will clean and disinfect the schools over the weekend.