Dear Fishkill Plains Parents/ Guardians:

                                                Considering the current direction of world events, specifically, the
                                                possibility of the impending military action against Iraq, we will be
                                                taking a proactive approach at Fishkill Plains.  In case of a security
                                                threat or if the National Threat Level be raised to ORANGE or CODE
                                                RED, we will act accordingly.  All field trips would immediately be
                                                cancelled. Please rest assured that the security of your children
                                                would always be our utmost priority in all situations.

                                                The following factors must be understood in advance:

                                                * At present, there is one unlocked front door entry to the school.  All
                                                other doors are routinely locked at 8: 50 am.
                                                *Recess may or may not be cancelled depending on the nature of the
                                                threat.
                                                * All visitors are required to sign in and out.
                                                * Any person who raises a suspicion or appears unfamiliar to any
                                                building member will be asked to identify him/herself.
                                                * If there were an event similar to that of September 11th, we would
                                                lock the front entry doors and parents will then be greeted at the
                                                entrance.  We would monitor each visitor requiring that an
                                                explanation be offered.
                                                *Remember our policy that we will NOT RELEASE students, without
                                                written permission, to anyone who is not listed on the emergency
                                                forms that have been provided for the school.
                                                * If the events warrant a "LOCKDOWN" of the building, all
                                                non-essential movement is restricted.  NO ONE will be allowed to
                                                enter or leave Fishkill Plains Elementary.  Parents will not be able to
                                                pick up children, until further notice that the threat has been lifted.

                                                All pertinent information will be posted on the front door windows
                                                immediately as well as on the school phone system (845 227 1770)
                                                Option 3 and on the Fishkill Plains Web site at
                                                (wappingersschools.org/fishkillplains.  We urge you to avoid calling
                                                the school directly, considering that too many calls would surely tie
                                                up the phone lines and would be counterproductive.

                                                It is not my intention to create undue anxiety within the Fishkill
                                                Plains School Community.  I am sure that you agree that we must
                                                exercise great caution and continue to remain well informed in order
                                                to be prepared for any untoward situations.  We will do our best to
                                                ensure the safety and well being of each and every student.

                                                As always, I appreciate your continued understanding and support of
                                                this challenging situation in these truly difficult times.

                                               Sincerely,
 
                                               Sylvia A. Epstein, Principal