District: Student Threatened Harm, Led to Friday's Outdoor Activity Suspension

The Commack School District released a statement over the weekend, explaining the brief suspension of outdoor activities at the high school Friday afternoon due to a potential threat.

"A student reported to one of our staff that another student (not currently in attendance at our schools) told her he was going to the high school to harm people," the statement reads.

District officials said that the Suffolk County Police Department was contacted immediately and the report was investigated and resolved.  According to the statement, police interviewed the student who allegedly issued the threat, his family, and also the student who reported the supposed threat. 

All outdoor activities resumed later that afternoon.

District officials gave the following explanation as to why the nature of the alleged threat was not revealed after the issue was resolved that day:

"In this age of instant communication, please understand that we will not release unsubstantiated information to the public when an incident occurs, but will do so only when we know all the true facts. The District's main concern is the safety of our students and staff, and all measures are taken to protect them. Some of our responses are based on direct consultation with the police, and we will only release information that has been thoroughly checked and is factual. We will however, make you aware of any matters that will affect the day-to-day operation of our schools, as was the case yesterday."

All sports and outdoor classes resumed by By 12:30 p.m. that day.