Threat Puts Hudson Valley MS, HS On Remote Learning

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Classes for the high school and middle school in Poughkeepsie were switched to fully remote Monday because of a social media threat against both schools.

District officials learned about the threat Sunday evening and immediately reported it to the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department for investigation.

According to a district spokesman, the threat said that on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday there would be a shooting at the middle and high school.

"While it appears that the social media threat is likely a prank," the spokesman said, "all incidents of threats are taken very seriously."

Because of the switch to remote learning, school start time was delayed by one hour so staff had time to prepare.

The district said parents were encouraged to check their child's social media accounts and share any concerning material with law enforcement. If the threat is from a Snapchat account, share the username of the person making the post. To get the name, click on the icon/photo near the display name; it will take you to the username or handle.

Threatening a school — even if it's a hoax — is a local and federal offense, according to the FBI, district officials said.

All students, parents, staff and community members are all urged to immediately alert their building administrator, a teacher or law enforcement if they see a threat, the district said.

Superintendent Eric Jay Rosser said the district has and continues to strengthen the safety posture of the schools and create a learning environment that is conducive to education.

"We have increased personnel, technology and programs and are looking to invest $3 million into additional safety upgrades," he said, "but there are things outside of the district's control that require parent and community involvement and action if we are to maintain our schools as safe havens for learning and instruction."