February 24, 2018

Dear Vails Gate School families,

The safety and well-being of your children is our highest priority. I am writing this letter as a follow up to a letter that was sent home on Friday.

On Thursday evening, we became aware of a threat to Vails Gate School that was posted on social media. An investigation by the New Windsor Police Department found that there was never a threat to Vails Gate School. The posting found on social media was not intended for a Vails Gate or any school within our district.

We are thankful for those who brought the social media posting to our attention, so that we could act quickly to ensure safety for our scholars, faculty, and staff. We appreciate the support of the New Windsor Police Department in acting quickly to keep our Gators safe.

While we handle all threats such as these in a serious manner, we are also diligent about pursuing those who make false claims and jeopardize the safety and learning environment of our scholars. The Newburgh Enlarged City School District and local law enforcement officials will investigate and prosecute to the fullest those responsible for doing so.

Please keep in mind that information you read on social media or hear from others may be based on rumors. When discussing situations involving our students on social media or in other forums, please remember to avoid sharing or repeating information that might not be true. Oftentimes, it is unlikely you have all of the facts needed for an accurate understanding of a situation. Please remind your child(ren) of this as well.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our central office at (845) 563-3400. 

Please help us remind your child(ren) to speak to an adult if they ever hear of this type of threat to their school. It is through the work of all that we are able to love, support, and protect our scholars. 

With Love,

Roberto Padilla, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Newburgh Enlarged City School District

124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY