June 22, 2026
2-Hour Delay due to power outage at Cohen Elementary and Middle Schools on Monday June 22, 2026
Good morning, everyone!
Families, students, and staff, we are so sorry for the delay today; the start of our last week of classes for the 2025-2026 school year! Calling a 2-Hour Delay at the last minute is never a decision we want to make. We appreciate everyone’s ability to adjust the many plans this morning as we dealt with a power loss at the Cohen Complex.
The basic details from this morning were that we had a power failure of undetermined nature at the Cohen Complex around 6:25am this morning. Our Buildings and Ground staff attempted to reset the power and were unable to after several minutes. As you likely know, we cannot have students or staff in the buildings without power. As the minutes ticked towards the first students being picked up for school by our buses, and the power was still not coming back on, it was determined we needed to move to a 2-hour delay. That decision was made at approximately 6:45am and notification protocols were engaged.
We have since been able to restore power to move forward with school today and we believe we have identified the source of the power outage. It is being addressed.
We are sorry for the inconvenience that this has surely caused to morning routines for families and students, as well as our staff.
Thank you to our building staff as they have readjusted end of year activities for today. Thank you to our Transportation, Buildings, and Grounds staff for their work in adjusting this morning as well!
We now look forward to a great last week of school with its many end-of-year activities, culminating with our High School Graduation this Friday!
Have a great week everyone!
Mike Gill, School Superintendent
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
The Elmira Heights CSD Budget Vote & Board Elections are happening TODAY — Tuesday, May 19, 2026!
📍 Vote at the TAE Gym
🕚 Polls are open from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Your vote helps shape the future of our schools, students, and community. Thank you for supporting Elmira Heights CSD and helping us continue to Reach New Heights! 💙🧡
College Fair - 2026
🎓 Your Future Starts Here! Join us for the Elmira Elks College Fair at TAE. Thinking about what comes after graduation? Whether you’re a high school student starting your search, a college student looking to transfer, or an adult ready to further your education, this event is for YOU!
📍 Where: Thomas A. Edison High School (2083 College Ave, Elmira Heights, NY 14903)
🗓️ When: Wednesday, April 29
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💸 Cost: FREE! No registration is required
Click HERE for more information.
Calling all future little learners! 📖✨ Pre-K and Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is now open! If your child is ready to start their educational journey, now is the time to enroll.
2026 Pre-K and K Registration information: (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H_fV2x2cS9XziDVk4Ry5JcXXTIvGC20a7gYjSVk7k60/edit?usp=sharing)
2 Hour Delay: The Elmira Heights Schools are on a 2 hour delay today Monday February 23, 2026.
❄️ Today’s flurries are a good reminder that winter weather season is here! ☃️
As conditions change over the coming months, please make sure your contact information is up to date and that you’re familiar with how the district shares school closings or delay announcements.
We’ll always communicate weather-related updates through:
📲 District email, text, and phone alerts
🌐 Our district website and mobile app
📻 Local news outlets and our official social media pages
⚠️ Please note: We do not monitor or respond to direct messages sent to our school social media accounts.
If you have questions or concerns during the school day, please contact the main office of your child’s school or refer to the communication platforms listed above for updates.
Stay warm and stay connected, Heights community! 💙❄️
October 13–17 is a time to thank the dedicated men and women who serve on our local Board of Education. Their leadership, vision, and countless volunteer hours help ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and succeed.
💙🧡 School board members set goals, shape policy, and make the tough decisions that keep our schools strong and our community thriving.
Join us in thanking our board members for their service and commitment to students, staff, and families in Elmira Heights Central School District! 🙌
#ReachNewHeights
Notice Regarding Bus #95 - delayed afternoon run 10/2/2025
This afternoon during the elementary run, Bus #95 pulled to the side of the road during its route home due to a student-related issue.
Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of all students, the bus remained stopped while the Superintendent and our School Resource Officer responded to assist.
After the circumstances were resolved all students were safely dropped off at their regular stops, though with a slight delay.
We want to reassure our families that student safety is always our top priority, and we are grateful for the calm cooperation of the students and the quick response of our team.
More information will be shared shortly with the families of the students who were on the bus. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
