DUTCHESS COUNTY – Parents of students in the Poughkeepsie City School District and the Wappinger Central School District were told on Monday afternoon that police are investigating threats involving certain schools within those districts. Parents have been told that additional information will be released on Tuesday morning.
The Poughkeepsie advisory was sent via email shortly after 3 p.m. and said, “Social media threats on both the Poughkeepsie Middle and High Schools are circulating. The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department is currently investigating. Parents are encouraged to check their child’s social media account for any information that may support the police department’s investigation.”
The notification, which was not posted on the Poughkeepsie school district website also said, “Please anticipate an update on this matter no later than 8 p.m. this evening.” Shortly after the deadline passed, the district sent the update at 8:07 p.m. “The investigation into this matter is ongoing and has expanded to another Dutchess County school district, who has also received a threat of school violence in which the NY State Police are involved.” The most recent update also said, “Communication will be sent no later than 5:30 a.m. if both Poughkeepsie Middle and High Schools will be open tomorrow.”
In the Wappingers district, the website carried an alert, and emails were sent to parents regarding a similar threat regarding Roy C. Ketcham High School.
“Administration was made aware of concerning information which was shared electronically with the Building Principal. The information that was shared could be perceived to be a threat directed at Roy C. Ketcham HS. As the safety of all students and staff remains our top priority, this information was immediately reported to the District Senior Staff administration, the New York State Police, and the Dutchess County Sheriff. An investigation was initiated at approximately 7 p.m., based on the information received.”
District Superintendent Dr. Dwight Bonk also said, ” We anticipate that this investigation will continue well into the night,” and indicated that an update regarding Tuesday’s classes would be provided by 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
A parent of a PCSD student saw the Poughkeepsie threat and shared it on social media. A picture of the threat is below.
(social media post under investigation by police)
