Statement from Dr. Frank Alvarez, Superintendent of Schools on today's bomb threat:
On the morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2014, Rye High School Principal Patricia Taylor was made aware of a bomb threat to the building. The Principal notified the Rye City Police Department and declared a building evacuation shortly after 9:30 a.m. with the full support of the Superintendent’s office and Administration. The faculty and staff promptly evacuated the Middle and High School students, a procedure that has been rehearsed frequently as a drill.
The students were escorted to the Elementary Schools: the Middle School students went to Osborn Elementary and the High School students to Midland Elementary.
During this time, the Rye City Police Department and County Police thoroughly examined the High School and Middle School building with the help of bomb-sniffing dogs and deemed the building was indeed safe. Students, faculty and staff were permitted to return to the building at approximately 11:25 a.m. and were in back in class by 11:45 a.m.
The Rye High School and Middle School principals and staff responded to this disconcerting development effectively and promptly. The students reacted very well to the situation and followed the evacuation procedures perfectly.
An investigation as to the origin of the threat is now underway. Our highest priority is the safety of our students, faculty and staff.
We are grateful to the Rye City Police Department and to the Westchester County Police for their swift response. A special thank you goes to Rye High School Principal Patricia Taylor, Middle School Principal Ann Edwards, administrators, faculty, staff, and security team for their effective leadership and help in caring for and supporting our Rye City School District Community. Thank you also to Osborn Principal Angela Garcia and Midland Principal Jim Boylan for hosting the students. I would also like to thank the Rye parents and guardians for their cooperation, calm and patience."
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