Glens Falls City Schools’ leadership team is extremely disappointed to learn about “an underage drinking/sleepover party” last weekend in a neighboring county involving multiple individuals, some current students, and some recent alumni — many with connections to other Glens Falls students, teachers and staff. More than 10 positive COVID cases have been linked to this super-spreader event so far, and the party’s consequences continue to grow.
“Warren County Health Services has been working with the affected school districts, as well as law enforcement officials from the neighboring county that are investigating this party, as indications are there were 50 or more people in attendance and extensive underage drinking occurred,” according to Warren Co. officials. “Contact tracing was problematic, as Warren County Health Services staff received conflicting accounts of who was at the party.” (Read more)
Due to the number of students and adults now in quarantine, and based on advice from the health department, Glens Falls City School District will go fully remote for at least two weeks, beginning on Monday, January 4th. All instruction, K-12, will be provided via Google Meet and asynchronous learning through January 15th at the earliest. New Visions, Early College Career Academy, and CTE BOCES students will also learn remotely during this time.
All students should expect to follow their regular schedule from home, including elementary students. Specific details will be provided by teachers soon.
Meal bags and supply totes will be available for pickup at each elementary school and the MS/HS on Monday, Jan. 4th. Pickups will be drive-through at Big Cross, Jackson Heights, and Kensington from 10:30am – noon. High School and Middle School pickups will use the drive-through in the Middle School parking lot from noon – 2pm.
Glens Falls athletics are now on pause until further notice. All practices, competitions, and team activities are canceled going forward, and will not resume until given the go-ahead by the school administration. This pause affects the Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Boys Varsity Swimming/Diving, and Bowling teams.
We are deeply frustrated that the irresponsible and selfish actions of a few have now led to widespread disruption for more than 2,000 students and their families. It is unconscionable that this gathering took place, after the intense efforts our students and staff members have made to keep our schools clean, healthy, and open week after week. The situation is infuriating, and we regret having to go remote in January.
Please continue to do the right things, so we can get back to in-person learning as soon as possible. Do not gather. Do not travel. Read the daily COVID-19 updates from Warren County, and keep your family safe and healthy.