Important Information from Dr. Cook on National School Threat on Social Media

Dear Catskill CSD Families, 

I wanted to address a generalized threat that is circulating nationally on social media claiming violence will take place at schools across the country on December 17. I want to make clear that we have looked into the matter and are not aware of any threat that has been made specific to Catskill Central Schools. It appears that the threat did not originate locally, but has been shared widely in our region and across the country. As is our practice, we have been in contact with the Catskill Police Department and State Police and will continue to work with the authorities to monitor the situation. 

The safety of our students and staff is our priority and we take all threats of violence seriously. There will be an increased law enforcement presence tomorrow morning and throughout the day. Our schools will remain vigilant and continue to follow the security protocols we have in place. Over the past few years, our District has invested in security upgrades to our facilities and hired armed security guards to watch over our buildings during the school day. We also ask that our families continue to share any information you might have about potential threats to our students, staff, or schools, any troubling behaviors you may observe, or anything you notice that does not seem right in school.

Should you have any information that you believe requires immediate action, please call 911 to report it. If you have information that you believe our schools should be aware of, please contact any member of our staff to report it. 

We will keep you updated as to any changes in the situation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ronel Cook
Superintendent of Schools

Posted in District.