Hen Hud Officials Offer Timeline of Today's Lockdown, Events

From the Hendrick Hudson school district:

At 1:45 p.m. today Hendrick Hudson High School received an anonymous call from a male who threatened the school. The caller mentioned wanting his money. A school secretary and assistant principal both participated calmly in the call, trying to get the individual to explain what exactly he wanted, but he continued an obscene rant and eventually hung up.

Principal James Mackin immediately put the building on lockdown and contacted the New York State Police, Troop K. Because of the nature of the threats and its proximity to the high school, the Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School was also put on lockdown.

Twenty New York State Troopers were on the grounds. Troopers recommended moving students to the gymnasium and the classrooms were evacuated in floor order, starting with the top floor. Staff and faculty members assisted throughout this process.

A complete sweep of the building was made using a canine unit. Transportation Director Elizabeth Gilleo made sure that Frank G. Lindsey students were able to leave school on their regular buses, and kept enough buses on hand so that high school students could be sent home by bus at about 4 p.m.

All afternoon and evening events at Frank G. Lindsey, Blue Mountain Middle School, and Hendrick Hudson High School were canceled.

Throughout the afternoon, District Office staff issued periodic updates on the situation using email and Web postings, including both the district website and its official Facebook page. The series of updates appears below:

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Update 4:00 PM

All High School students have been dismissed on district buses. State Police and local law enforcement personnel are onsite to continue their investigation. As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot release details, but we will provide what information we can as we know more. Updates will be posted on the HenHud home page and Facebook.

Joseph E. Hochreiter

Superintendent of Schools

Update 3:25 PM

The Frank G. Lindsey School has dismissed all students on their regular buses. The Hendrick Hudson High School will be dismissing shortly. All High School students are required to take the bus today. All afterschool activities have been cancelled at the Hendrick Hudson High School, Frank G. Lindsey and Blue Mountain Middle School.

Please do not call the High School as phones will not be answered while the lockdown is in place. Updates will be posted on the HenHud home page and Facebook.

Joseph E. Hochreiter

Superintendent of Schools

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Update 2:50 PM

NYS Police remain onsite at the High School. We plan to dismiss Frank G. Lindsey students on time or close to on time. Afterschool activities have been cancelled at the Hendrick Hudson High School, Frank G. Lindsey and Blue Mountain Middle School.

Please do not call the High School or Frank G. Lindsey as phones will not be answered while the lockdown is in place. Updates will be posted on the HenHud home page and Facebook.

Joseph E. Hochreiter

Superintendent of Schools

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Update 2:30 PM

The NYS Police are onsite at the High School. They have recommended that we move students to a secure location in the High School. This process is underway while State Police secure the building. Please do not call the High School or Frank G. Lindsey as phones will not be answered. Updates will be posted on the HenHud home page and Facebook.

Joseph E. Hochreiter

Superintendent of Schools

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