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New Threat Temporarily Closes Hommocks Monday

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A “Follow-up graffiti incident” was the cause of a temporary evacuation at Hommocks Middle School Monday. This time, sources say, the graffiti was found in a girls’ bathroom.

A similar incident Feb. 10 involved graffiti in a boy’s restroom.

Children were escorted and walked to Mamaroneck High School, where they waited, while law enforcement and school administrators determined if the threat was real.

Shortly before 1:00 pm, it was announced that school would resume, and close to 1200 6th, 7th and 8th graders began returning to their classrooms and their regular afternoon schedules.

 

 photos: Joyce Havinga

 

From Hommocks Principal Seth Weitzman, Monday, 4:40 pm:

This morning we received a report of graffiti, the second in two school weeks, faintly scrawled this time in a girls bathroom. We determined it was necessary to evacuate the building and, thanks to the assistance of the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department, trained sniff dogs were summoned to conduct a screening. Within an hour or so, we received clearance, enabling students and staff to return to Hommocks and resume classes. 

I could not be more pleased with the professionalism of Hommocks staff and their boundless dedication to the welfare of our students. The evacuation proceeded in a calm and orderly fashion, teachers escorting children along the Post Road sidewalk to Mamaroneck High School about a half mile away. Before returning, I addressed the entire Hommocks community assembled in McClain auditorium. These were the major points I highlighted: 

  • Emphasizing the seriousness of the incident, I explained the content of the graffiti message was illegal and therefore will result in police department investigation and criminal charges. 
  • Further reinforcing the gravity of the matter, I described the act as dangerous, because the police department was deterred from their mission ensuring the safety of thousands of men, women and children residing in the Larchmont and Mamaroneck communities.
  • In the coming days, to prevent further disruption to our school, we will strictly monitor and control access to both boys’ and girls’ bathrooms. Abridging the freedom our students normally enjoy, they will be required to sign-in and sign-out of bathrooms. Aides will be stationed outside and periodically check the interior. 

The safety of nearly 1,400 Hommocks students and staff remains the prime responsibility of our school. As always, we encourage parents to keep the lines of communication open with your child and our school.

 

 

Notifications from: Mamaroneck Union Free School District

Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, approximately 1:10 pm:

The precautionary evacuation at Hommocks was necessary due to a follow-up graffiti incident.  The building has now been cleared, and the students will be returning to the middle school to resume the day with a regular afternoon schedule.  Police will continue to be on hand, but local law enforcement has determined there was no threat or danger. 

 

Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, 11:45 am:

This is to let you know that as a precaution we have evacuated Hommocks Middle School, and the students are now walking in a supervised, orderly fashion to Mamaroneck High School, where they will be housed at McLain Auditorium until we determine if school will be resumed for the afternoon .  We ask that you NOT come pick up your child.  We are working closely with the police to ensure that our buildings and all areas around and adjacent to the schools are safe and free of danger.  More information is forthcoming. 

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