Safety and Secure Storage Letter
September 28, 2026
Dear Pearl River School District Parents and Caregivers,
As we begin a new school year, the safety and well-being of our students, staff and families remains our top priority in the Pearl River School District. Creating a safe educational environment extends beyond the walls of our schools, and we are committed to sharing crucial information that can help keep children safe both at home and in our community.
One important part of that responsibility is firearm safety and secure storage. Firearm-related injuries continue to have a significant impact on children and teens across the United States. According to current research reported by The New England Journal of Medicine, gun-related injuries continue to be the leading cause of childhood mortality in the United States. Evidence shows we can protect children by encouraging responsible firearm storage.
New York State law requires proper firearm storage in homes where a child under the age of 16 resides. Guns must be securely locked in an appropriate safe storage depository or rendered incapable of being fired through an appropriate gun-locking device when they are outside the owner’s immediate possession or control. Research and public health guidance consistently emphasizes that secure firearm storage can help prevent injuries, suicide and unauthorized access. If you own a gun, please review your storage practices and ensure that every firearm in your home is securely stored and inaccessible to children and other unauthorized individuals.
Keep the gun unloaded and locked in a cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case
Lock ammunition in a location separate from the gun
Consider using a gun lock (a small lock that makes the gun unable to fire)
Hide the keys (or passcode) to the locked storage
Secure storage is important for all ages. Young children may be curious and may not understand the danger posed by a firearm. Older children and teenagers may encounter firearms during times of emotional distress or may come across an unsecured firearm at a friend’s or relative’s home. Taking steps to prevent unauthorized access can help reduce the risk of tragedy.
The Be SMART campaign was launched to raise awareness of the importance of secure gun storage. We encourage families to learn more about secure firearm storage and to have age-appropriate conversations with children about gun safety. As part of these ongoing efforts to provide information and resources as well as support these discussions, PNW BOCES Regional Safety Services will host a 2026-2027 Be SMART virtual event on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Learn more and pre-register here.
Thank you for your continued partnership in creating a safe and supportive environment for every PRSD student.
Sincerely,
Marco F. Pochintesta, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Pearl River School District
Jackie Dubil Craig
President, PRSD Board of Education
Denise Caunitz
Vice President, PRSD Board of Education
Patricia Reilly
PRSD Board of Education Member
Thomas DePrisco
PRSD Board of Education Member
Dr. Kathleen Kelley
PRSD Board of Education Member