Partial Bullet Found At Peekskill High School, Backpacks Banned: Superintendent

PEEKSKILL, NY — School district officials said that stepped-up security measures are in place after a troubling discovery found at Peekskill High School.

"Today, a high school staff member reported to security personnel that a component of a bullet was found inside the school," Superintendent David Mauricio said in a letter to parents on Monday. "Police have investigated the item, and confirmed that it is not a complete bullet."

The superintendent said there was no evidence of a firearm at the school, and the school has not received any threats. He said students are being encouraged to leave bookbags at home, unless otherwise necessary, for the remainder of the school year. After the discovery, K-9 units were brought in and the school was searched.

"The District continues to work in close collaboration with the Peekskill Police Department to investigate this matter," Mauricio wrote. "At this time, this situation is determined to be an isolated incident and our students and staff are safe in our schools."

Mauricio said there will be an increased presence of administrators, security staff and law enforcement at the high school for the remaining days of the school year, and counselors will be on hand for any students or staff who are struggling with the situation.

"We appreciate your patience and understanding and know that incidents like this can be unsettling," the superintendent said. "Please know that the safety and security of our school community remains a top priority at Peekskill Schools."

Superintendent Mauricio's full letter to the school community can be read in its entirety below.

Dear Peekskill High School Families:

Today, a high school staff member reported to security personnel that a component of a bullet was found inside the school. Police have investigated the item, and confirmed that it is not a complete bullet.

Upon notification, school leadership immediately began to investigate the matter. District administration alerted the Peekskill Police. Officers responded to the school immediately. District administrators worked with security staff and the police to conduct a search of the school grounds. For added security, a K-9 unit was secured to assist in the search. At no point was there evidence of a firearm at the school, nor has the school received any threats.

The District continues to work in close collaboration with the Peekskill Police Department to investigate this matter. At this time, this situation is determined to be an isolated incident and our students and staff are safe in our schools.

PHS students are encouraged to leave bookbags at home unless otherwise necessary for the remainder of the school year. Tomorrow, a bookbag search will be conducted upon arrival. As a reminder, on Wednesday, June 11, ONLY students who are taking the Geometry Regents should report to the high school. There will be NO regular classes for PHS students that day. In keeping with our past practices, no book bags will be allowed in school on the last day of high school classes (Thursday - June 12).

We will have increased administrator, security staff and law enforcement presence at PHS. If any students or staff feel concerned, we encourage them to speak to a trusted staff member or a school counselor.

We appreciate your patience and understanding and know that incidents like this can be unsettling. Please know that the safety and security of our school community remains a top priority at Peekskill Schools.

Sincerely,
Dr. David Mauricio
Superintendent of Schools