Safety Alerts

January 17, 2008

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have received information from one of our parents that a vehicle was observed in the area of Beechwood Drive, repeatedly passing some students who were at a bus stop. The vehicle was a four-door, white Isuzu Four by Four, approximately ten years old. The police department has been notified.

Please speak with your children in a reassuring manner to plan their response to any adult stranger that may approach them as well as the safety measures that children should take in the event that they feel threatened or uncomfortable.

All adults and bus drivers are encouraged to call law enforcement at “911” in the event that this individual and/or either vehicle is spotted in any area that may put students or the public at risk.

Sincerely,

Lois C. Colletta
Superintendent of Schools

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November 16, 2007

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have received information that one of our students at Nassau was at a classmate's house when a man saw them and knocked on the window. The boys left the house and ran to another student's house. The man followed the boys on foot and then in a green Jeep. One boy's parents notified the police and the boy gave them a good description of the vehicle.

Please speak with your children in a reassuring manner to plan their response to any adult stranger that may approach them as well as the safety measures that children should take in the event that they feel threatened or uncomfortable. All adults and bus drivers are encouraged to call law enforcement at "911'' in the event that this individual and/or either vehicle is spotted in any area that may put students or the public at risk.

Sincerely,

Lois C. Colletta
Superintendent of Schools

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Dear Parents and Community Members,

The following letter was sent to Senator Saland and Assemblyman Miller on October 24th.  As you can see from the letter, I have also asked our attorney to look into the possibility of the town passing a law to address the matter.  I will keep you apprised of any information I receive. 

Sincerely,

Lois Colletta

 

I am writing on behalf of the Spackenkill Board of Education and community.  As I am sure you are aware, a level three sex offender was released from prison in New York City and returned to his home in our community. 

According to Penal Law 65.10, if he had been given conditions of release or placed on probation, we could have (for the most part) prohibited him from entering our schools.  However, since he was released without conditions or parole, he is legally permitted to be on school property.  As you can well imagine, the school board, employees, and parents alike are all very concerned about this. 

Our attorney is looking into whether we can request the town to pass a law to protect our children.  In the meantime, I would urge you to assist us in any way you can.  While you may not be able to change the disposition of the man’s release, we respectfully request that you introduce legislation to change the law that allows a level three sex offender on school grounds.

Thank you in advance for your efforts to keep our children safe. 

 

Sincerely,

 Lois Colletta

 

Pc:              Spackenkill School Board

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October 24, 2007

Dear Spackenkill Community, 

As a follow-up to last week’s communication about a level three sex offender living in our community I want you to know that our attorneys were able to speak with the prosecutor who handled the case in New York City. She confirmed that the individual was not given a sentence of probation or conditional discharge, nor was he paroled or conditionally released; therefore, there are no current restrictions on where he can travel.  He is, however, required to register with the Division of Criminal Justice Services.  In addition, our local police contacted the Manhattan Supreme Court, Probation and our local District Attorney’s office.  They all echoed, that to their amazement, because he was given no conditional discharge, nor was he paroled, unfortunately we can not prevent him from entering school property. 

I want to reassure you that we have taken the appropriate steps within our buildings to insure that your children are safe and will continue to be watchful and mindful of those entering our buildings, as has been our practice.  The addition of the greeters in all of the buildings has helped with this effort.  

I assure you that the welfare of your children is our priority and we will continue to work together with you to make their school experience a safe and healthy one.

Sincerely,

Lois C. Colletta
Superintendent

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October 18, 2007 

 

Dear Spackenkill School Community,

I want to share the latest information that we have regarding the report of a recently released level 3 sex offender living on Millbank.  According to District Policy No. 2122, this letter will serve as notification of the presence of this sex offender.  You may have read in the newspaper that the information shared by Dr. Sicina ran contrary to the information released from the police.  I had consulted with our attorneys who advised us that, according to Penal Law 65.10, sex offenders have limitations set, including not being able to go on school grounds, when a sentence of probation or conditional discharge is applied.  We are awaiting the written notice which would provide us with confirmation of the individual’s legal status and rights to be on school property.

Please be assured that each of our schools has a greeter who vigilantly registers each visitor, and for your comfort, has been advised to contact the administrator should this individual enter the building.  All faculty and staff are aware of this situation and remain dedicated to the safety and security of your children.  I will notify you if and when there are any changes to this information.

If you desire more information about this individual, you can call the police department and go to the state registry website @ www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/index.htm.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at any time.

Sincerely,

Lois C. Colletta, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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October 11, 2007

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We have received information from The Arlington School District that an individual with a recent history of lewd and indecent public acts has been approaching residents and students in their area and displaying inappropriate behavior. Complaints have been received mostly from the Pleasant Valley/Hyde Park/Poughkeepsie northern area of the Arlington school district. However, law enforcement has informed the Arlington superintendent that this individual has also been seen in other parts of Dutchess and Ulster counties. 

The alleged perpetrator is described as an African American male in his 30's and has a bald, shaven head. He is reported to be driving one of two vehicles: 

• 2003 Gray Jeep Cherokee, or
• Bright blue PT Cruiser

Please speak with your children in a reassuring manner to plan their response to any adult stranger that may approach them as well as the safety measures that children should take in the event that they feel threatened or uncomfortable. All adults and bus drivers are encouraged to call law enforcement at "911" in the event that this individual and/or either vehicle is spotted in any area that may put students or the public at risk.

Sincerely,

Lois C. Colletta
Superintendent of Schools

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September 20, 2007

Dear Parents,

I learned today from the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department that they received a call from a parent in our district last Friday.  The parent reported that a man in a white van had parked his vehicle and walked toward her daughter, speeding up as the girl sped up.  When she started to run, he went back to his van and drove off.  This occurred near the intersection of Croft Road and Spackenkill Road. 

The van is described as a white work van with a ladder rack but no ladder.  It had tinted windows and no writing on the van whatsoever.  The man is described as a white male in his mid-thirties, average height, stocky, with short brown hair. 

Please be assured that our principals, teachers, and bus drivers have been made aware of this matter and have been told to report any suspicious activity to their immediate supervisor.  Please speak with your children to remind them of safety measures they have all been taught regarding dealings with strangers.   Should I learn any more about this situation, I will certainly notify you.

Sincerely, 

Lois Colletta, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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