Notification from: Mahwah Township School District
Dear Mahwah Families and Faculty,
The Mahwah School District is committed to the safety and education of all of our students. Essential to this is a commitment to communication with parents about potential safety issues.
For this reason, I want to make you aware of related facts surrounding an ongoing investigation by the Mahwah Police Department. Several months ago, a student made a threat “to shoot up” Ramapo Ridge Middle School, on Friday, February 23.
From the onset, school administration has taken this above matter very seriously by investigating the threat and addressing the issue with the student and his parent with urgency. The matter was also simultaneously referred to the Mahwah Police Department who conducted their own thorough investigation that also included meeting with the student and the student’s parents(s) several times. Because of this, a series of interventions were put into place, and appropriate measures have been taken to remove the student from the school for the remainder of the school year. At the end of the school day, on February 22, the school will be secured, and on February 23, the Mahwah Police Department will have officers present in the school throughout the entire school day. Additional policing measures will also be in place, but will remain confidential, in an effort to not compromise these strategic security procedures.
There will continue to be a heightened presence of Mahwah Police officers throughout the school district as we work to maintain a safe learning environment for students, parents, staff, and faculty.
Our district continues to work with our police department to fully investigate any potential safety concerns, as the protection of our students’ safety is our priority. Ultimately, we understand that situations may arise and are concerning to parents, students, and the surrounding community, and we want to make you aware that we diligently address any and all issues related to your child’s safety.
Sincerely,
C. Lauren Schoen James N. Batelli
C. Lauren Schoen, Ed.D. James N. Batelli
Superintendent of Schools Mahwah Chief of Police