Investigation launched after Greater Johnstown kindergarten pupil brings 'Jell-O shots' to school; 3 children treated for alcohol consumption, officials say
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Three Greater Johnstown Elementary School students are recovering after being hospitalized Wednesday due to consuming gelatin cups containing alcohol, school officials said.
District Superintendent Amy Arcurio said at least two of the students had been treated and released by the afternoon, and each of the students was doing well.
The hospitalizations reportedly stemmed from a kindergarten student bringing alcohol-infused gelatin – commonly known as "Jell-O shots" – to school and giving them to three others.
'As soon as school staff were made aware of the situation, immediate action was taken,' Arcurio said in a statement. 'The affected students were quickly taken to the nurse's office for evaluation.'
Out of an abundance of caution, school staffers said they contacted emergency medical services, and the students were transported to a local hospital for medical care.
Parents were notified and met EMS at the medical center, Arcurio said.
An investigation has been launched, and Greater Johnstown is cooperating with local authorities to determine how the student came to possess the alcohol, Arcurio said.
'We want to assure our families that the health and well-being of our students is our top priority,' Arcurio said. 'Counselors and support staff will be available for any students who may need assistance processing today's events.'
She said that additional details cannot be shared due to privacy laws, but praised the 'swift response' of staff, administrators, school nurses and school police during the incident.
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