August 23, 2002

Dear Parents and Guardians:

In accordance with New York State's Sex Offender Registration Act, the District has very recently been notified by the Clarkstown Police Department that a sex offender resides within the District. Under the law, the notification may include the offender's zip code, photograph, crime of conviction, modus of operation, type of victim targeted, and special conditions imposed on the offender.

District policy provides in these situations that all information the district received from local law enforcement will be posted in an appropriate location in all district buildings, and will be available to you upon request. In addition, information received will be circulated to all staff who might come into contact with the offender in the course of doing their jobs, including Building Principals, staff who issue visitors' passes, bus drivers, custodians, playground monitors, and coaches. All other staff members will be informed of the availability of the information. All staff has been directed to notify their supervisor if they observe any suspicious person(s) in an area where children congregate, and law enforcement officials will be notified of cases where circumstances warrant it.

We are dedicated to the safety of our children while they're in school. All of our schools have strict sign-in/sign-out procedures for our students, and all visitors must first report to the school's main office for a visitor's pass. We have security personnel and a buzz in system at each school site. In addition, our school curriculum includes teaching personal safety and stranger awareness skills.

We encourage you to talk to your children about personal safety. Books and other resources are available from school counselors, if necessary. The district has also provided for staff training to ensure that we are all prepared to care for our children.

Specific questions about this matter may be directed to Clarkstown Police Department, 20 Maple Avenue, New City NY 10956, (845) 639-5800.

Please be assured that the school district will continue to take responsible and appropriate measures to protect our students.

Very truly yours,

Roberta R. Zampolin

Superintendent of Schools