Threat at high school still being investigated

January 19, 2022
4:25 pm

TOWN OF WAPPINGER – The Roy C. Ketcham High School (RCK) on Myers Corners Road in the Town of Wappinger was dismissed at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday while state police investigated a threat. The building had been in a “hold-in-place” that began before noon the same day.

In a Wednesday afternoon email to parents, Wappinger Central School District Superintendent Dr. Dwight Bonk said the dismissal was implemented after the district received “information on the internet that could be perceived to be a threat directed at Roy C. Ketcham HS.”

Mid-Hudson News reported on the threat earlier. That story can be found HERE.

“As part of our Building Emergency Response Plan, an early dismissal was activated at approximately 1:00 pm to allow for the K-9 unit to perform necessary functions as part of the investigation. The investigation continues as the District takes any potential threat to its students and staff very seriously, and will pursue all appropriate measures in accordance with the District Code of Conduct and to the fullest extent of the law,” Bonk said in the update.

Bonk also praised the school’s staff and students during the disruption, saying “Principal Seipp (David Seipp) and the entire Roy C. Ketcham staff are to be commended for their leadership during this most unfortunate circumstance. In addition, the conduct of the students during this hold-in-place and early dismissal was exemplary.”

Parents and guardians of RCK students were advised that Seipp would be sending an update via email on Wednesday night regarding the RCK schedule for Thursday.

No additional information was provided.