BOMB THREAT AT HIGH SCHOOL

Yesterday there was a High School bomb threat discovered written on a desk at the school. The building was evacuated about 11:30 AM, and the police were called, per District safety procedures. Due to the inability of bomb sniffing dogs to arrive before 1:30 PM, a decision to early dismiss was made, with buses arriving by 1:00 PM.

The visual search and the one done by the dogs did not locate any device. The District is cooperating with the police in its investigation of the incident. For your information the following is a review of District procedures in the event of a bomb threat at a school:

Ø Students are evacuated at least 300 feet from the building, while officials search the building.

Ø If weather is severe students are moved (if needed by bus) to designated local sites. These sites are confidential for security purposes.

Ø In the event that students are moved to another site, that location would be available to parents on the District website (click school closings), and on the school and District phones. Sites will be changed as needed.

Ø Upon safety clearance from officials, students will be returned to school. If an event occurs at the end of the day for High School students, there may be an early dismissal.

Ø Students must not leave the school grounds unless dismissed by the school administration, and should not use cell phones, which can set off a device and block communications with officials.

Please reinforce with your children the seriousness of the bomb threat issue. False bomb threats are a felony in New York State, with a $5000 fine, and possible prison term. Although pranksters seeking attention usually make these threats, the District will pursue those guilty to the full extent of the law and school process.

The safety and security of our students and staff are our number one priority. Be assured that everything is being done to maintain a safe learning environment in our schools.

Si ou bezwen enfòmasyon tradui an kreyòl,rele Jocelyne Abraham nan 353-7044

Si le hace falta información traducida en español, llame a Marie Montañez al 353-7108.