Fox Lane Students Ignored COVID-19 Guidelines At Gathering, Will Be Banned From School
A group of Fox Lane High School students who attended large gatherings over the weekend are barred from school grounds and will switch to remote learning for the next 14 days.
Community members and local law enforcement identified several students who attended gatherings over the weekend where health protocols and COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing and wearing face masks, were largely ignored, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joel Adelberg and the Bedford Board of Education wrote in a letter Monday night.
The number of students that will remain in quarantine and switch to remote learning was not provided.
“To say that we are disappointed in those students who partook in these activities is an understatement. There is no justification for putting themselves and other at significant risk,” the letter stated. “Our administrators, faculty, and staff have worked tirelessly to get us to the place where we have been able to open our schools for those ready to return.”
Officials said students named at these gatherings will move to remote learning starting Tuesday for a minimum of 14 days, meaning no student will be permitted to return to an in-person hybrid schedule prior to Oct. 13. Additionally, students will be prohibited from participating in any athletic or other school activities on campus.
Prior to being allowed back in school, students will be required to submit a letter of clearance from their health care provider or the Westchester County Department of Health. Those who don’t won’t be allowed to return to the campus, officials said.
The list of students who attended these gatherings will also be shared with the WCDOH, which will cross-reference the list of those in attendance with those already forced to quarantine last week. If it’s determined that there were students currently quarantined in attendance at the event, the WCDOH and police will combine efforts to take whatever action is deemed necessary.
With the district taking “herculean” efforts to maintain safety and follow proper health protocols in school during this pandemic, officials pressed that the community needs to stand together to prevent another outbreak from happening.
“If some high school students are proving unable to make mature choices, their parents and guardians need to step in,” officials stated in their letter. “We hope we can come together to teach our students to choose and prioritize health and safety, especially in these challenging times.”
