06/04/2026
Dear Cohen Campus Families and Supporters,
Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and support during dismissal today. We greatly appreciate everyone's willingness to quickly pivot from our normal dismissal procedures for walkers and pick-up students.
This afternoon, our School Resource Officer (SRO), along with the outstanding Elmira Heights Police Department and support from neighboring law enforcement agencies, responded to an unexpected visitor—a curious black bear roaming near our campus facilities.
Shortly before dismissal, our furry friend decided to explore the area around our playground and bus port. While the bear remained outside of our fenced areas, it became interested enough to attempt a closer look by climbing part of the fence. Our fearless SRO helped encourage the bear to continue its journey back toward the woods and away from our schools.
While our young bear friend did appear to follow the Cohen Cougar Code by using the sidewalk when crossing the road, we felt it was best not to let them participate in dismissal activities any further!
But honestly, who can blame the bear? We do have some of the best schools, students, and staff around!
In all seriousness - following this close encounter, and out of an abundance of caution, we made the decision to transition dismissal procedures to parent or designee pick-up, eliminating the need for students to walk through the neighborhood while the area was being monitored.
We want to thank our students for their cooperation, our families for their understanding, and our staff for their adaptability. Thanks to everyone's teamwork, dismissal was completed safely and smoothly.
We would also like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to our School Resource Officer, the Elmira Heights Police Department, and all of the law enforcement agencies that responded and supported our campus today. Your professionalism, quick response, calm presence, and commitment to keeping our students and staff safe are deeply appreciated. Simply put—you are the best!
We appreciate your partnership and are grateful for a school community that always comes together when needed—even when the situation is a little more "bear-y" unusual than expected!
Sincerely,
Michael F. Gill, School Superintendent
