News Details

12.15.22

Dear Rondout Valley School Community:

I would like to follow up on the message I shared yesterday regarding the social media post situation. Our law enforcement partners have continued their investigation and have deemed the threat not credible at this time. They are continuing their efforts in order to hold the individual accountable for creating the fake account and for posting the threat. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Stephen Protoss, Assistant Principal. 

Please know that anytime we communicate a message like this one, our goal is not to foster fear, but to be transparent and reassure parents that we are taking the proper steps to ensure safety. We must respond to all reported threats and treat them as credible until there is ample evidence that they are not. 

We will continue to communicate with law enforcement, and if anything changes, we will alert you. As always, thank you for your partnership as we work to ensure a safe, secure, and positive learning environment for our students.

Sincerely,

Joseph Morgan, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
 

12.14.22

Dear Rondout Valley School Community:

Earlier today, a student reported seeing a social media post that appears to be a warning of planned violence on Friday. The post does not specifically name our district, but our school resource officer was immediately contacted and has been working with detectives to conduct an investigation. The account that posted about the threat is new, only being opened in the last two weeks and the student who saw the post does not know the identity of the individual associated with the account. At this time, investigators tell us what was observed was almost identical to a TikTok trend that occurred this time last year. We will continue to cooperate fully as they investigate the situation and will update our community if it is determined that there is any credibility to the threat.

We understand that situations such as this can cause anxiety and great concern for parents, students, and staff. Please know that any threats, even vague ones or those delivered jokingly or as an offhand comment, are taken seriously and investigated. Students involved in such threats may be disciplined in accordance with our Code of Conduct, and criminal charges are also possible. Please be sure your child understands the seriousness of situations such as these and the consequences of poor decisions. Please also assure them that I, and every adult in their school community, are deeply committed to their safety and work hard to create and maintain a safe learning environment free of threats.

I would like to thank the students who made us aware of this information and also our law enforcement for their quick and professional response. This is exactly the action we hope is taken when people become aware of information such as this.

I appreciate your attention to this serious matter and your help reminding your children how their digital footprint has the potential to severely impact their lives. If you or your child has any concern, please reach out to your building administrator.

Sincerely,

Joseph Morgan, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools