Update 6:30 PM: Please see the communication below that was shared with families earlier today regarding social media threats. We continue to review any new information and are collaborating with local law enforcement. They will be providing an additional presence at all of our schools during arrival, dismissal and throughout the school day tomorrow.
Dear RCS Families,
The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District is aware of the recent communications being shared on social media related to school violence, or more specifically, a school shooting occurring on Friday, December 17. This communication has been circulating in school districts throughout the state and nation. This communication is not about RCS (or any school) specifically. RCS and many other schools have shared this information with local law enforcement and will be working closely with them to monitor this or any future communications.
We want to be very clear, a specific threat has not been made against any of our RCS schools, staff, or students. This is a generalized threat that has been circulating around the state and country and we just want you to be aware.
The district is partnering with local law enforcement on preparations to keep our school community safe. As part of that preparation, and in addition to our two school resource officers, we will have an additional law enforcement presence on our campuses tomorrow. Additionally, our school staff will be available to meet with any students who would like to speak with someone about their concerns.
We ask that parents and guardians take a moment to remind students that threats have no place in school or the community. Additionally, if any student sees or hears anything suspicious, concerning, or questionable, including, but not limited to, any specific threats or suspicious activity, we ask that they immediately report these concerns to a trusted adult, district administration, and/or law enforcement. Please also take a moment to speak to your child about their perspective on these types of situations and to reinforce our expectation that our schools remain safe from threats of any kind or intimidation.
As always, student and staff safety is our number one priority, we take all threats very seriously here at RCS and we will continue to work with local and regional law enforcement to keep our schools safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brian Bailey
Superintendent of Schools