Police Activity Forces Lockout at High School in Dutchess County

Heavy police presence near I-84 forced school officials to issue a lockout at John Jay High School in Hopewell Junction, NY.

The school day ended later than it normally would for hundreds of students at a high school in Dutchess County after law enforcement officials notified one school district that they were dealing with a "police matter".

Lockout at John Jay High School in Hopewell Junction, NY

According to the Wappingers Central School District's Facebook page, it all started just after 3 p.m. on Monday, September 15th, 2025, when school officials notified parents and the community that John Jay High School was being placed in a lockout.

Dwight Bonk, Superintendent of the Wappingers Central School District, posted,

"We were made aware that law enforcement is involved in a police matter near Interstate 84, which is resulting in a lockout at John Jay High School. This is being done as a safety precaution. We remain in constant contact with law enforcement, as this will result in delays in dismissal."

 

Bonk explained that the lockout, which prevents anyone from entering or leaving the school, was put in place as a safety precaution and that all after-school activities were canceled.

Lockout Lifted

The lockout lasted for over an hour and was lifted at 3:37 p.m. after police notified the district that the police activity in the area had concluded. The district didn't reveal any details regarding the police activity, but did say that it was "now safe to release John Jay High School Students to their buses." They also informed parents that there would be additional officers at the school dismissal and that any school buses traveling into the "areas of interest" would be escorted by a police cruiser.

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The school began dismissal at 3:42 p.m.

At approximately 5:45 p.m., Bonk posted an update on Facebook notifying the community that all students had been dismissed and had arrived home safely. He went on to praise students, staff, and parents for their conduct during the lockout, saying,

"I am grateful to our students for their excellent conduct and to our families for their understanding, as the safety and security of students and staff remain our top priority."

 

The district, its officials, and local police should be commended on how well the situation was handled!