‘Rumor’ of school shooting plan at Warwick Valley Middle School found to be not credible

The school’s principal, Jared Yapkowitz, sent a letter home to parents this week.

Blaise Gomez

Jun 20, 2025, 4:06 PM

Updated 12 min ago

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Warwick school officials say “rumors” of a school shooting planned at Warwick Valley Middle School have been investigated by the district and police and that there’s no threat to student safety.
The school’s principal, Jared Yapkowitz, sent a letter home to parents this week.
"We understand that such rumors can be unsettling. That is why we're sharing this update - to provide reassurance, address concerns and reaffirm our commitment to transparent communication and student safety," wrote Yapkowitz.
District Superintendent David Leach tells News 12 that a middle school student showed classmates a photo of a firearm on their phone. Leach says the incident was “embellished” by students who later reported it as a possible threat to be carried out on the last day of school.
Officials say Warwick police were notified and went to the student’s home.
They say no threat or safety concern was found and that the matter was addressed with the students involved.