The following letter from Superintendent Jeff Simons was emailed to all Columbia High School parents on Thursday, March 3.
Dear Parents/Guardians:
By now, you are likely aware that Columbia High School implemented a Shelter in Place this morning, after receiving a report from a vigilant student around 9:15 a.m., that two bullets were found on the floor of a restroom located in the hallway near the cafeteria. For a number of years, our district has promoted a culture around school safety which instills in everyone an inclination to report matters to administration which may cause concern for student, staff and community safety. When we see or hear something, we say something. I am grateful to the student for reporting this matter in a timely manner.
Upon receiving the report, my office was notified as the Principal was reporting the matter to the East Greenbush Police Department. The East Greenbush Police Department responded immediately by sending several uniform officers to the school to join our School Resource Officer, high school administrators and safety personnel in investigating the incident and in monitoring and supporting the students and staff during the protracted shelter in place.
During the incident, to provide assurances, the high school administration updated students and staff when we could and our district’s public information office took steps to accurately update parents and the community.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., the East Greenbush Police Department informed us that it was safe to resume normal activities at the high school based on their investigation and the Shelter in Place was lifted.
In coordination with the East Greenbush Police Department we are continuing to review the matter. Further information regarding this incident may be released by the East Greenbush Police Department in the near future.
Please talk with your child regarding the events of this morning. In the event that your child is upset about the matters that transpired this morning and is in need of support, please contact the high school and our counselors and social workers will make themselves available for support.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support in keeping our children safe.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey P. Simons
Superintendent of Schools