School Safety & Security Department
School Safety & Security Department
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
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 Jr High School. Deputy Gemmel brings a strong background in school safety planning, emergency preparedness and student support. With experience in 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 Sheriff's Office: (845) 486-3800.
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.
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Parking and Vehicle Access
To ensure the safety of all students, staff, and visitors, please park only in designated spaces. Our top priority is maintaining unobstructed access for emergency vehicles. This ensures that police, fire, and ambulance vehicles can quickly reach school grounds and entrances when needed.
Front Circle Parking
During and after school activities, the front circle is reserved exclusively for buses and emergency vehicles. Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in this area to allow for smooth traffic flow and emergency access.
After-School Drop-Off and Pick-Up
For after-school activities, please use the rear parking lot for student drop-off and pick-up. The back entrance will be unlocked to ensure easy access to the school.
Handicap Parking and Wheelchair Access
Handicap parking spaces are available at both the front and back of the school. For wheelchair access, please use the front entrance, where a ramp is conveniently located behind the brick wall.
A Shared Responsibility
School safety and security are the responsibility of everyone. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for all.
Thank you for your attention to these important matters.
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
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Starting with the 2024-25 school year, New York State has banned realistic, "trauma-inducing" active shooter drills, forbidding the use of actors, props, or simulations of violence during school hours. Drills must now be "trauma-informed" and "age-appropriate," with mandatory prior notification to parents and staff.
Key Aspects of New York's New School Drill Rules
- Prohibited Tactics: Schools may not use props (like fake guns), actors, or activities that mimic a real shooting.
- Trauma-Informed Approach: Drills must be conducted in a manner that considers the mental health and age of students.
- Mandatory Notification: Schools must notify staff and parents in advance of any scheduled drill.
- Parental Consent: Students can only participate in these drills with written, informed consent from a parent or guardian.
- Drill Requirements: Schools are still required to hold mandated lockdown drills, but these must follow the new, non-realistic guidelines.
Please note:
a) To improve Safety and Security all WJHS students are now required to wear their student ID badges with the school issued lanyard. Please make sure your studentwears the ID badge to school every day.
b) The street address of Wappingers Junior High School is 30 Major Macdonald Way, Wappingers Falls.
Visiting Guidelines:
1) Visitors must use the front entrance, door #1, which is in the front circle across from the flagpole;
2) Please park in available parking spaces. The road around the front circle is a Fire Lane and reserved for emergency vehicles such as: fire trucks, ambulances, and police;
3) The Front entrance is locked. Use the intercom button on the right to speak to the receptionist at the lobby desk who will unlock the door automatically;
4) Do not enter the building unless authorized by the lobby receptionist via the intercom;
5) Do not let anyone else into the building. Make sure the door closes behind you whether coming or going;
6) Once inside the foyer wait. Someone will be with you shortly. Have your valid identification ready. We use a RAPTOR system screening process to register and screen visitors.
7) Visitors allowed past the foyer doors and into the main lobby must be signed in and wear a pass. Visitors will be escorted to the appropriate meeting room;
8) There will be some delay during emergency drills such as lockdown and evacuation.
9) Your cooperation contributes to everyone’s safety and security.
Please check these links below for more information on Safety and Security:
Video, New York New Rules for Active School Shooter Drills, 2024;
New York implements new rules for active shooter drills this school year - Click Here
Information for Parents and Guardians-Emergency Standard Response Protocol;
SRP-K12 2025 Parent Handout - Click Here
Video: Five minutes to review the five standard emergency protocols;
5 Minutes, 5 Actions: The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) - Click Here
Video, The Standard Reunification Method:
The Standard Reunification Method - Click Here
Video: What is a RAPTOR screening system;
SAFETY AND SECURITY IS A TEAM EFFORT. YOU'RE ON THE TEAM!!!