RCS News

District Response to Incident at High School

As many of you are aware, a serious event took place between two students at the high school on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 24.  It was reported that a male student allegedly attempted to force a female student to perform a sex act inside an elevator during a span of 60 seconds at approximately 3:45 p.m. The students were still in the building after having completed their academic and athletic activities. This incident was immediately reported to the police by school officials. An arrest has been made, and an investigation is ongoing.  

We want to assure you that supporting the success, safety and emotional welfare of our students remains our top priority at RCS. Our high school Crisis Response Team has met to discuss our plans for ensuring continued safety and security in our schools, and for responding to the social and emotional needs of our students, staff and community.

We expect that all students will do their utmost to focus on their work moving forward, but we appreciate that emotional support is needed during this difficult time. Teachers will allow time for discussion of the incident in class on Monday. Counseling will be available in the library throughout the day for students in need, and ongoing support will be available through the school guidance center. We encourage everyone to be respectful, supportive, patient and compassionate as we move forward as a school community, understanding that many individuals have been affected by this incident.

In an effort to enforce our safety goals, we are also reiterating and expanding our expectations for student conduct after school hours as follows:

·         Student athletes will be required to report to the library if they have finished their practice and are awaiting transportation. Students awaiting their 5 p.m. practice should also report to the library.

·         No students are allowed in the academic wing without adult supervision.

·         All students must leave school grounds at the conclusion of the regular school day, unless they are involved in school sponsored activities with direct adult supervision. Students may not stay at school after 2:35 (or 2:05 on Fridays) to attend evening events such as games, dances, or other social events.

·         Access to the building elevator will be limited to handicapped and authorized individuals.

·         Students who violate these expectations will be referred to the deans for disciplinary action.

High School Principal Brian Bailey reached out to parents in a letter outlining the incident and the district’s ongoing response. He will be making an announcement to the entire student population during an extended homeroom on Monday morning.

This event has touched the lives of many people within the RCS community. The staff and students of the high school have relationships with both parties involved and are experiencing many emotions. We will all work together to support the healing process. This is a difficult issue to discuss.  However, discussions may elicit more information about this type of incident. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist your child.

Information that may assist in this investigation or other incidents of this nature may be directed to the Coeymans Police at 756-2059.