After a bathroom fire prompted an early dismissal, coupled with recent student incidents, Binghamton High School students will learn remotely until the beginning of holiday recess and return on Jan. 3, schools officials said Wednesday.
In a letter to students, Binghamton High School Principal Kevin J. Richman said administrators identified the student believed to be responsible for the fire.
The letter also said that after the building evacuation, several students were involved in a brief altercation outside.
“Soon after, community members with a connection to one of these students arrived in a vehicle, with metal pipes and attempted to further the altercation,” the letter said. “The Binghamton Police intervened and those who were involved dispersed.”
School officials and Binghamton Police are investigating the incident and said any student who was involved with the fire or altercation will be addressed appropriately.
Many schools across the state reported an uptick in student fights at the beginning of the academic year in September when most schools returned to fully in-person instruction for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While the degree of physical altercations has subsided since the beginning of the school year at the high school, students continue to engage in conflicts that are leading to confrontations on campus,” Richman wrote in the letter. “Additionally, family/community issues are being brought into the school setting, creating an unsuitable learning environment. At this time, we believe it is necessary to develop a plan for a building reset to address the most recent behaviors.”
Students should look for Zoom codes via their teacher’s Google classrooms. Instruction will follow the regular period-by-period schedule. If students need to pick up necessary items, they may do so on Thursday, Dec. 16 at the following times:
- 9th grade: 9 – 10 a.m.
- 10th grade: 10 – 11 a.m.
- 11th grade: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 12th grade: 12 – 1 p.m.
All after-school activities and athletic events will occur as originally planned. But until further notice, all athletic events will be limited to two adult spectators for both home and away players.
“The movement to remote instruction will allow time to consider and implement any necessary actions to enhance security and ensure safety in and around Binghamton High School,” the letter said. “Our students and employees deserve a safe and healthy environment to learn and work, and we appreciate your support as we work toward that goal.”