The following message is from Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology Assistant Principal Christina Zontini:
Dear families:
I’m writing to let you know about a safety concern that occurred during our school day Thursday.
While two of our staff members were assisting a student in crisis, the student expressed threats of violence toward our entire school community. We immediately began an investigation and called the City School District of Albany’s threat assessment team and law enforcement officials to our building.
Our investigation has determined that there was no immediate threat to anyone in our school community Thursday. The student was not in school Friday, and we have taken appropriate disciplinary steps in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct. We also continue to partner with law enforcement officials on their investigation.
Safety is a priority for all of us at TOAST and throughout our school district.
I would like to commend the actions of our staff members who brought this matter to our attention immediately. We also want to emphasize that our students and everyone in our school community are safe and supported in reporting any information that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
We ask that you remind your children that if they see something, they should tell a trusted adult immediately. Your partnership is critically important to all that we do each day to provide a safe learning environment for everyone in our school community.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. You can contact me at (518) 475-6875 or czontini@albany.k12.ny.us.