Earlier this month, an investigation took place following an allegation that a student had brought a gun onto the Ames Campus of Massapequa High School. While the results of this investigation were inconclusive, there was sufficient concern regarding the conduct of this student to warrant a suspension from school for the remainder of the 1999-2000 year.

In conducting the investigation, the school community worked closely with the Nassau County Police Department and our attorneys in following up on leads and making sure the proper procedures were followed. District safety plans and guidelines were implemented immediately, ensuring the well-being of our students and staff.

It is unfortunate whenever the educational climate of a school needs to be disrupted as it was for a few days at Ames. As educators, our primary concern is the safety of our students. As I am sure you will agree, it is disturbing to think that anything could take place at our schools to jeopardize the security we strive to provide for all our students and staff. As a matter of precaution, school districts prepare emergency plans and guidelines to follow in the event they become necessary. Because these guidelines were in place, and because the Ames community was alert and prepared, the incident was taken care of well before it had the chance to escalate.

We are all concerned that this happened at one of our schools. The Massapequa schools show zero-tolerance regarding the possession of weapons, as they pose an immediate threat to the safety and well-being of our children and educators. We trust that you will continue to join with us in doing all we can to make our schools a safe and secure environment for the children of Massapequa.

Lawrence Pereira, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools