District responds to J-DMS safety concern

Dear Jamesville-DeWitt families, staff, and community,

A Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School student recently turned in a school assignment that included threats made towards a teacher at the school. It’s possible you’ve already heard about this situation on social media or in the news. It was also brought up during the Board of Education’s public comment period on Monday, Nov. 18. 

We want to assure you that the district is actively handling this situation. The Board of Education, administrators, and building leaders are taking it seriously and will follow safety and Code of Conduct protocols to ensure the continued safety of all students and staff. 

We understand that news like this is unsettling, and we are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive environment for all students and staff. Whenever a concern is raised about a particular student, mental health resources and staff are in place to assess, monitor, and support the student to ensure they get the help they need. 

Due to the protections of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and New York Education Law Section 2-d we are unable to share further details regarding the student involved in this incident. However, please know that safety remains our highest priority, and we will continue to take all necessary precautions to protect our school community.

The community can report concerns anonymously through our Tips/DASA form on the district website. We appreciate students, families and staff for taking initiative and reporting incidents as they arise. Thank you for your continued support.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your building principal. 

Dr. Peter Smith, Superintendent of Schools 

Andy Eldridge, J-DMS Principal