SAEDNEWS: John Jay High School in East Fishkill delayed dismissal on Sept. 15 after a “police matter” near Interstate 84. No students or staff were harmed, but buses and activities faced major delays.
According to Saed News; On Monday, Sept. 15, John Jay High School in the Wappingers Central School District entered an unexpected lockout, disrupting its normal afternoon routine. The precautionary move delayed dismissal and canceled all after-school activities, sparking concern among parents and the local community.
In a statement posted around 3 p.m., Superintendent Dwight Bonk explained that law enforcement had alerted the district to an unfolding “police matter” near Interstate 84. The decision to initiate a lockout was made strictly as a safety precaution.
Bonk reassured families that “the safety of all of our students and staff has not been impacted by this incident.” Yet, the vague language raised questions as details remained scarce.
The East Fishkill Police Department referred all inquiries to New York State Police, who have not yet released an official statement. That silence only fueled speculation online, where concerned parents and community members traded theories in real time.
Dismissal, which typically begins shortly after 2:30 p.m., was pushed back by more than an hour. Parents waited anxiously, while students inside the building were kept secure.
By 3:37 p.m., the district was notified that the police activity in the Wiccopee area had ended. Within minutes, buses began rolling out, and students were dismissed at 3:42 p.m.
Still, for many, the disruption was far from over.
Not only were after-school programs called off, but a wide range of bus routes were also delayed — some “significantly,” according to the district. The affected routes stretched across the district, including MCV04P, FPV03P, KRV03P, GHV01P, EVV01P, FKV01, and many others.
To ease concerns, East Fishkill Police deployed additional officers for dismissal. Police cruisers even escorted buses through areas linked to the incident, ensuring safe passage for students heading home.
Parents expressed a mix of relief and frustration. On social media, some praised the district’s swift action, emphasizing that “safety comes first.” Others criticized the lack of transparency, calling for clearer communication from both the school and law enforcement.
“We understand safety is the priority, but families were left in the dark,” one parent posted on a local community page.
As of now, the specifics of the “police matter” remain unclear. Authorities have yet to confirm whether any arrests were made or if the situation posed a direct threat to the school.
The district has promised to share updates as more information becomes available. Until then, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a school day can be upended — and how essential safety protocols, even if disruptive, can be in maintaining calm during uncertain moments.
For John Jay students and parents, Sept. 15 will be remembered not for lessons learned in classrooms, but for an afternoon defined by waiting, uncertainty, and an overwhelming hope that everyone would get home safe.
