Verona High School initially suspended all after-school activities for two weeks after learning of the large weekend gathering and reports of a possible positive test for COVID-19.
[Ads /]
"The investigation into this matter by the Montclair Department of Health has now concluded, which includes case and contact evaluations in Verona and gathering additional details of the weekend events," Superintendent Dr. Rui Dionisio said in a letter to parents. "After careful consideration and investigation, the Montclair Department of Health determined that school activities may now resume."
Related: 6 cases of COVID-19 reported in NYU freshman dorm
Officials say all activities are resuming on Thursday, but any student who attended or attends large gatherings should monitor himself or herself for symptoms two to 14 days after the event. If any symptoms appear, the student should stay home and consult their medical provider.
Verona had already gone virtual, with students spending hours at home learning remotely. But many of them had expressed outrage over losing their outlet of sports, activities and band practice.
Dina Devivo said her daughter -- who attended the party and reported there were about 60 kids present -- plays tennis, and the already-shortened season faced another setback because of the decision.
Devivo argued the initial punishment did not fit the actual course of events, since large outdoor gathering can have 500 people. However, they must follow safety measures.
Still, she said kids shouldn't suffer if there wasn't a confirmed case of COVID from the party.
[Ads /]
"I think it's a decision that was made on an assumption," she said. "Unless there's a positive case and it's confirmed, which, if there is a positive case, then you quarantine the person or the immediate people that were exposed to that person, not the entire school from sports. Absolutely not."
Related: Ohio college house party-goers cited over COVID-19 concerns
Devivo said her daughter, a senior, was responsible and that students have had big gatherings on the football field as part of their senior activities. But the superintendent insisted the precautions were necessary to ensure the safety and well being of students and staff.
"It is important to remind all parents, guardians, and students, that large gatherings and congregations that do not follow COVID-19 safety expectations may result in the cancellation of school and school programs until it has been deemed safe to return," Dr. Dionisio wrote. "We remind our community to do your part to make sure that our personal behaviors do not interfere with the goal of incrementally and safely reopening our schools and activities. We thank you for your understanding and continued support."
WATCH: Eyewitness to a Pandemic
Eyewitness to a Pandemic: Episode 4 - The Apex
[Ads /]
RELATED: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut out-of-state travelers quarantine list
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE
Back to school information
How coronavirus changed the New York region
Do you have coronavirus symptoms?
What's Open, What's Closed in the Tri-State area
COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates
UPDATES
New York City
New Jersey
Long Island
Westchester and Hudson Valley
Connecticut
abc7NY Phase Tracker: