The Pelham school district has postponed the start of in-person learning today after school officials say a large number of students have been partying together.      

According to a letter from Superintendent Dr. Cheryl H. Champ, a group of Pelham High School students have been attending parties in nearby woods this week.

 

School officials say video from the parties shows more than 100 students attending these gatherings.

In the letter posted on the district website, Dr. Champ also says the video shows students engaging in risky behavior such as failing to practice physical distancing, and not wearing masks or face coverings.   She say it is extremely disappointing for students to do this just days before schools were set to reopen, potentially putting the whole school community at risk.

Administrators say the parties have the potential of spreading COVID-19 among the students who attended, their siblings who may attend other schools in the district, and the entire Pelham community.

After consulting with the Westchester County Health Department, the decision was made to postpone the start of in-person instruction until Monday. That means today and tomorrow, all Pelham students will operate under a distance learning plan.

School officials say they will continue to coordinate with the health department to monitor the coronavirus situation in Pelham, and they are asking any student who attended the parties to voluntarily quarantine for 14 days. 

Parents who have spoken with News 12 in person and online are not happy about this delay.  Especially because they say the reason behind it is selfish reckless behavior. "I blame the parents  I don't blame those knucklehead kids, I blame the parents," says parent Isha Burrus.

Burrus says this is why she's strict with her children, including her daughter who attends high school. "They go to school, they come home. That's it.  I tell them not to touch anything or anybody. Nothing, have your mask on at all times. Hand sanitizer, everything."