Press release from Monticello Central School District:

On Monday, November 18, 2013 at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School received a bomb threat. A note was found, turned into a teacher, who then brought it to the attention of the administration.

A full search of the middle school building was conducted by Monticello Police Chief Robert Mir and the New York State Police. A bomb-sniffing canine was used to search the building. Superintendent Daniel A Teplesky, Asst. Superintendent Tammy Mangus and building administrators assisted police on scene. No bomb or explosive materials were found on the campus.

During the emergency situation, and as a precaution, the middle and high schools were evacuated. Once it was determined that the high school building was secure, students and faculty returned and middle school students and faculty were temporarily sheltered-in-place at the high school.

Students were dismissed at 2:15 p.m., approximately 15 minutes after their regularly scheduled time. All after school activities for Nov. 18 were cancelled.

“Please know that the safety and security of our students and staff is our highest priority,” said Daniel A. Teplesky, Monticello CSD Superintendent. “We are grateful to the quick response of our Village Police and the NYS Police, and we are fortunate that no one was hurt. I want to personally commend our students and staff for assisting us with their fullest cooperation.”

We are asking that you please talk with your children about the events of today and reassure them that the procedures that are followed are put in place for everyone’s safety. Please explain that a false bomb threat directed toward a school in New York State is now a Class E felony subject to criminal prosecution, and that all incidents are taken seriously.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact RJK Principal Nichole Horler or MHS Principal Lori Orestano-James at 845-794-7700.