2 Poughkeepsie Schools To Reopen After Police Find No Threat

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Poughkeepsie Middle School and Poughkeepsie High School will be open for classes Thursday after police found there was no threat to either school.

A district spokesman said Wednesday afternoon that a thorough investigation by local and state law enforcement did not yield any credible evidence to support the social media threat made against two schools.

Both the middle and high schools were closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

The district said there will be an increased police presence and other measures Thursday, including:

• Continued collaboration and the sharing of information with local and state law enforcement.
• The presence of school resource officers at each school.
• The presence of safety monitors at each school.
• Thorough baggage checks for all students — for the next several days students are advised to reduce the number of items they carry to school.
• Every student and guest will go through metal detection devices.
• Additional central office presence in both schools.
• Enhanced safety protocols in each building.

The district has invested in a safety management monitoring system that will flag concerning content and bring it to the attention of staff. The system also allows members of the school community to confidentially report anything that might bring harm to a person or the entire school community. It will be in operation within two weeks.

"Threats against schools and members of the school community are serious," the district said. "It is important to note that anyone found to be making any type of threat, including on social media, will be discipline to the fullest extent and could face criminal charges."

Roy C. Ketcham High School in the town of Wappinger was also closed Tuesday because of a perceived threat.

Wappinger Superintendent Dwight Bonk said in a message Tuesday evening that Ketcham would be open Wednesday.

"Due to the nature of the investigation I am unable to share more specific information at this time other than to inform you that the threat assessment was completed at approximately 7:30 pm this evening (Tuesday)," he said, "and that the building has been deemed safe for classes to resume tomorrow Wednesday, February 23."

Bonk added that, to help alleviate any concerns, there would be an additional police presence at the high school through the day Wednesday.