To: Nyack Middle School Parents/Guardians

From: Roberta R. Zampolin, Superintendent

Date: October 15, 2001

Re: MIDDLE SCHOOL INCIDENTS

During these difficult times unfortunately I have to report that there were two disturbing incidents at the Middle School at the end of last week. One concerned a bomb threat for today at the school and the other involved students having bullets (not in a gun) in their possession.

1) On Friday, at the end of the day, the bomb threat for today was found written on a discarded, crumbled, piece of paper lying on a classroom floor.

At that time we immediately initiated District procedures for such a threat. Police were notified and a thorough building search was scheduled for Sunday evening. This search, which did not reveal any device, included a bomb sniffing dog and a complete security lock-up of the building after the search was completed. This morning all students' book bags and instrument cases were searched and again no device was found.

2) On Thursday, four students in school were found to be in possession of bullets, not contained in a gun, but still considered a weapon by law. One student had found them and brought them to school to show to another student. The bullets were then further shared with two other students. The parents of the students involved were contacted, each student was suspended, and the matter was referred to the police, in accordance with the law.

The gravity of these matters was discussed with the entire student body, and will continue to be emphasized. We also need your help at home by stressing with your children the seriousness of bomb threats, which are a felony in New York State, as well as the bringing of weapons to school, even for seemingly innocent reasons. Please be on the alert for any situation that would lead to problems, such as the above, and inform the school immediately.

The safety and security of our students and staff is the District's number one priority. Be assured that everything is being done to maintain a safe learning environment for your children. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.