S. Jersey parochial school closes for the week after students fall ill
Breaking News Desk St. Mary School in Monroe Township, Gloucester County, will remain closed the rest of the week after a number of students either fainted, became dizzy or complained of feeling ill during a school assembly on Monday.
St. Mary School in Monroe Township, Gloucester County, will remain closed the rest of the week after a number of students either fainted, became dizzy or complained of feeling ill during a school assembly on Monday.
Patricia Mancuso, the school principal, and the Rev. Cadmus D. Mazzarella, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church, the sponsoring parish for the elementary school, notified parents of the closing.
Originally, school officials announced this morning that the elementary school on Carroll Avenue in the township's Williamstown section would be closed for the day. However, diocesan officials announced in the afternoon that the school of 600 students would remain closed. The school was already scheduled to be closed Friday.
Events began Monday when Monroe Township Police responded to calls that some students had fallen ill during a morning assembly in the gym, and that fumes were detected. The Monroe Ambulance and Williamstown Fire companies also responded.
Initially, one student had fainted and another had become ill. They were evaluated by a school nurse. However, more students started reporting that they felt dizzy, according to police.
St. Mary's officials began notifying church and county officials, including the Gloucester County Board of health.
Two students were taken by ambulance to Kennedy University Hospital in Washington Township. In all, a total of 13 students went to the hospital for evaluation.
County and local officials searched the school, along with MDG Environmental, and conducted air quality tests. Initial tests revealed elevated levels of LEL (gas), and VOCs (volatile organic compounds emitted as gases). However, subsequent tests showed normal limits.
Health officials are still investigating the cause of the fumes.
Peter Feurherd, a spokesman for the Camden Diocese, said tests continued today but have so far been inconclusive. So a decision was made to keep the school closed to pursue more environmental studies.