LAGRANGE – The Vail Farm Elementary School and Union Vale Middle Schools were in a “lockout” after a bullet was found on the floor in the middle school on Wednesday morning. The bullet was immediately reported to the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) which has deputies on the scene conducting an investigation, with school administrators.
A notification from the Arlington Central School District pointed out that all students and staff are safe.
“Out of an abundance of caution,” the district said, “Union Vale Middle School has been placed in a “Lockout (not a Lockdown) and a “Hold-in-Place” to allow further inspection of the building.” No weapons have been discovered.
Reiterating the notice, the district said “Again, all students and staff are safe, and there is no evidence of a firearm on campus, nor have any threats been received. In addition, the Vail Farm School will remain in a Lockout while the investigation is conducted.”
During a Hold-in-Place or Lockout, visitors are not permitted in the building, and the district has requested that parents do not attempt to pick up students at this time.
A “lockout” is used when there is an actual or perceived threat outside of the school. Students and staff follow the normal school schedule during a lockout, except that no one is allowed outdoors, and normally people are not allowed to enter the school.
A “hold in place” is used to limit the movement of students and staff while dealing with short-term emergencies. This is intended to keep students and staff out of the affected area until the situation can be rectified. In general, students and staff will remain in their current classes until the hold in place has been lifted.
