CATSKILL — A Catskill Middle School student brought a toy gun to class on March 17, triggering the district to contact the police to inspect the item.
In a letter to district parents on the day of the incident, Catskill Central School District Superintendent Ronel Cook informed residents that an unidentified pupil brought a toy that looked like a gun to school and showed it to other students during the day.
Cook said Catskill police were contacted and following an investigation determined that the item was a toy and not an actual weapon.
“No one was ever in any danger, and no threat or criminal intent was involved,” Cook wrote. “I would like to remind our families that students should not bring toys or other items to school that could cause a distraction from their learning.”
Cook said that in recent weeks the district has seen an uptick in student behavior that is in violation of the district’s code of conduct.
In a statement Tuesday, Cook said the administration deals with disciplinary incidents in the district within 24 to 48 hours.
“The District’s Code of Conduct is strictly enforced,” Cook wrote. “In addition, principals have the authority to suspend students up to five days out-of-school suspension. I have the authority to extend the suspensions at a Superintendent’s Hearing.
“Secondly, my administration team reminds students of the expected behaviors during morning announcements and at grade level assemblies. Multiple grade level assemblies have occurred throughout the school year and others are scheduled to occur in the very near future to remind students of the expected behaviors. Next week, teacher-led workshops are scheduled after the ELA (English Language Arts) state assessment, for middle school students. The Catskill PD (Police Department) is also scheduled to provide workshops to our 4th and 5th graders.”
Cook declined to go into detail regarding a possible suspension for the student who brought the toy gun to school.
“The District’s Code of Conduct was enforced with regards to the toy being brought to school,” he said.
Cook said the district’s code of conduct is published every September on the district’s website and sent home to parents.
“We also collaborate with the local, county and state law enforcement agencies,” Cook wrote. “New York State Police investigators (Steven) Arp and (Esther) Suarez have visited our secondary schools to provide assemblies to students that focus on cyberbullying and social media.”
Cook added that the Catskill district has contracted the firm Catskill Security LLC to provide additional support for the district.
“These individuals are armed retired law enforcement from the community who support both campuses throughout the school day,” Cook wrote. “They have a great rapport with our students and our students respect them. Many of them also serve as mentors and coaches in our extracurricular activities. The Catskill PD also supports us during arrival and at dismissal time. Any additional layers of support are not needed at this time. We need our parents’ support with reminding their child or children how to behave in school.”
Cook said district has also scheduled an assembly where representatives from the Greene County Department of Public Health and Twin County Recovery Services will educate district students about the dangers of vaping.