After House Party, Cohasset Middle, High School Students Will Learn Remotely This Week

Cohasset school officials have decided to hold middle school and high school classes remotely this week after a house party on Friday night.

In a statement, Police Chief William Quigley said police were called after getting reports of a large gathering in violation of the state's pandemic restrictions. The responding officers found about 20 underage people crammed closely together without masks in an "enclosed small structure," with open containers of alcohol nearby.

Quigley said the officers found the homeowners inside the main house and issued them a $500 fine.

Patrick Sullivan, superintendent of the Cohasset schools, said in an email that because the partygoers were Cohasset students, the middle and high school will go to fully remote for the week of Monday, Nov. 16. If there are no further complications, said Sullivan, students can return to the current hybrid model by Monday, Nov. 30. Elementary school students will continue as usual.

He also urged anyone who was at the party to get tested for the coronavirus.

Both Sullivan and Quigley, in their statements, said they know the pandemic has been difficult for young people — but it doesn't mean they can disregard social distancing and gathering rules.