CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Students from Walsh Jesuit High School who attended a large party in Macedonia over the weekend must stay home for two weeks or risk expulsion, the school said in a letter to the community on Monday.
School administrators found out about a party involving at least 100 students after they received tips from families and students, President Karl Ertle said in a statement.
Administrators were able to identify many of the students who attended the party though photographs and videos from the event, which was hosted at a student’s home with adults present.
Ertle said visual evidence confirms that social distancing and mask protocols were ignored, calling these actions “unacceptable.”
“This situation and those who attended the party have put the health and safety of our entire school community at-risk,” he said.
Administrators said anyone who attended the party will not be permitted to attend any in-person, extracurricular activities or school activities for 14 days until Monday, Sept.28.
Students who attended the party were required to contact the Walsh Jesuit One Call Line, 234-352-1357, by 10 a.m. on Monday.
Students who were honest about their attendance will not receive any further disciplinary consequences. Anyone who doesn’t admit they were at the party will be dismissed from Walsh Jesuit.
“We are saddened to have to inform you of this situation and to make this decision, but we cannot allow the actions of the few who have violated the trust of the school community to threaten the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. We will continue to take such matters seriously and do whatever is necessary to maintain a safe, learning environment for all.”
On Sept. 10, Summit County went from Level 2 to Level 3 due to a sustained increase in cases and emergency department visits for COVID-19 like illness, which DeWine said is an early warning sign for an outbreak of the virus.
RELATED: Summit County moves to 'Red' Level 3 on state's Public Health Advisory System
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