Police At Warwick Valley Schools After Student Threatens Teacher

WARWICK, NY — A Warwick Valley middle-school student threatened to "shoot up the school Tuesday" and told a particular teacher to "watch out" on social media.

The threat Monday was reported to Warwick police, who determined it not to be credible and reported they found no weapons in the child's home, Superintendent David Leach told the community.

Still, as students returned from the three-day weekend, there was an increased police presence throughout the district "out of an abundance of caution," he said.

"If you feel that your child needs special assistance, our administration and counseling staff will be available to provide support and service. Please reach out to your school’s principal to connect to the support team as needed," Leach said.

The District is committed to preventing acts and/or threats of violence in schools, on school property, and during school-sponsored activities. Threats of violence against students, school staff, or school property will not be tolerated, regardless of whether they are made on school property or during school hours. While recognizing an individual’s constitutional rights, including applicable due process rights, the District will not tolerate acts or threats of violence that endanger the safety and well-being of staff, students, visitors, or the school environment.

Faculty and staff will continue to remind students of the Code of Conduct and appropriate online behavior. As always, your continued partnership is appreciated and valued.

Charges are possible in connection with the threat, he said.

"In addition to the Police Department’s actions, the student involved will receive appropriate disciplinary consequences in accordance with the District’s Code of Conduct," he said.