John Mahood P.S. was recently directed by police that Elmira schools go into a “Hold and Secure”.  A “Hold and Secure” is to respond to a situation of concern in the general area around the school, like a toxic gas concern or a person or animal of concern being in the area.  We go into this emergency response until authorities give the all-clear.  The entire chain of events today lasted a little more than 20 minutes.

A “Hold and Secure” requires us to keep all staff, students and visitors in buildings and not leave the safety of buildings.  It also means that any visitors to the school may not be admitted until the “Hold and Secure” is lifted.  Staff and students are to be commended for the quick and responsible reaction to this situation.  Police have said that there is no further concern and all local schools may return to business as usual.