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Wappingers Junior High School

30 Major Macdonald Way / Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 / PH: 845.298.5200

School Safety & Security Department


School Safety & Security Department


Safety & Security

Our Mission

The School Safety & Security Department is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and secure environment for all students, staff, and visitors. We work proactively to prevent safety risks, respond effectively to incidents, and promote a culture of preparedness throughout the district.

Contact Information

Deputy Michael Gemmel


Mr. Gemmel & Mr. H

 

Position: School Resource Officer (SRO)

Email: michael.gemmel@wcsdny.org
Phone: 845-298-5200 Ext. 21039

Bio: Deputy Gemmel, from the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, is assigned full-time to Wappingers Junior High School. Deputy Gemmel brings a strong background in school safety planning, emergency preparedness, and student support. With experience coordinating safety initiatives and working closely with staff and local emergency services, he is dedicated to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students, staff, and visitors.

For matters outside of normal school days/hours, please contact the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office at 845-486-3800.

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Jeffrey Bogen


Jeffrey Bogen

Position: School Safety Officer (SSO)

Email: jeffrey.bogen@wcsdny.org
Phone: 845-298-5200 Ext. 21039

Bio:SSO Bogen has extensive experience in safety operations, threat assessment, and maintaining secure campus environments. He focuses on proactive planning, staff training, and building strong relationships with school communities to enhance overall safety across the district.

What We Do

  • Emergency planning and preparedness
  • Campus safety assessments
  • Coordination with local law enforcement and first responders
  • Staff and student safety training
  • Response to safety concerns and incidents
  • Support for district safety policies and procedures

School Safety Drills

Starting with the 2024–25 school year, New York State prohibited realistic, "trauma-inducing" active shooter drills. Schools may not use actors, props, or simulations of violence during school hours. Required drills must be conducted in a trauma-informed and age-appropriate manner.

Key Aspects of New York's School Drill Requirements

  • Prohibited Tactics: Schools may not use props, actors, or activities that mimic a real shooting.
  • Trauma-Informed Approach: Drills must be conducted in a manner that considers the age and well-being of students.
  • Mandatory Notification: Schools must notify staff and parents in advance of scheduled drills.
  • Parental Consent: Students may participate in active shooter drills only with written, informed consent from a parent or guardian.
  • Drill Requirements: Schools are still required to conduct mandated lockdown drills in accordance with New York State requirements and non-realistic guidelines.

Important Safety Reminders

Student Identification Badges

To improve safety and security, all Wappingers Junior High School students are required to wear their school-issued student ID badge with the school-issued lanyard.

Please make sure your student wears their ID badge to school every day.

School Address

Wappingers Junior High School
30 Major Macdonald Way
Wappingers Falls, NY

 

Visiting Guidelines

  1. Visitors must use the front entrance, Door #1, located in the front traffic circle across from the flagpole.
  2. Please park only in available, designated parking spaces. The roadway around the front circle is a Fire Lane and must remain clear for emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles.
  3. The front entrance is locked. Use the intercom button on the right to speak with the receptionist at the lobby desk, who will unlock the door.
  4. Do not enter the building unless authorized by the lobby receptionist through the intercom.
  5. Do not allow anyone else to enter the building with you. Make sure the door closes securely behind you when entering or exiting.
  6. Once inside the foyer, please wait for assistance and have valid identification ready. The school uses the RAPTOR visitor screening system to register and screen visitors.
  7. Visitors who are permitted beyond the foyer and into the main lobby must be signed in and wear a visitor pass. Visitors will be escorted to the appropriate meeting room.
  8. Please be aware that there may be delays during emergency drills, including lockdown and evacuation drills.
  9. Your cooperation with these procedures contributes to the safety and security of our entire school community.

 

On-Site Parking

The safety of students, staff, visitors, and emergency responders depends on maintaining clear access throughout the school grounds.

  • All legitimate parking spaces on school grounds are designated by white parking lines.
  • Please park only in marked parking spaces. Do not create or use your own parking space.
  • Roadways throughout the school grounds, including Major MacDonald Way, must remain accessible to emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances.
  • Do not park on Major MacDonald Way unless directed to do so by school personnel.
  • The marked areas and other paved areas without designated parking spaces are intended to provide access for emergency vehicles and must remain clear.
  • During large-scale or simultaneous events, vehicles may be directed to park in designated grass areas in the rear of the school near the basketball court due to limited parking.
  • Vehicles should never be parked on the basketball court or softball field.

Keeping roadways and non-parking areas clear ensures that emergency responders can quickly and safely access the school when needed.

 

Student Pickup After School Events

Students who participate in after-school activities such as clubs, sports, band, and other programs and are being picked up by private vehicles should be picked up in the rear of the school.

  • Do not pick up students at the front of the school.
  • The front traffic circle is reserved for late buses to pick up, drop off, and wait during after-school hours.
  • The front of the school must remain accessible to emergency vehicles, including police, fire, and ambulance services.
  • The front entrance also serves as an important access and exit point should an emergency evacuation be necessary after school.
  • Rear pickup helps protect students by reducing the need for students to cross between school buses and other vehicles.

Please note: The regular student pickup procedure at the end of the school day at 2:20 p.m. remains unchanged.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation in following these procedures and helping us maintain a safe environment for our students, staff, visitors, and emergency responders.

Safety & Security Resources

New York State School Safety Drill Information

 

Please check these links below for more information on Safety and Security:

 

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SAFETY AND SECURITY IS A TEAM EFFORT.

YOU'RE ON THE TEAM!!!