Important Safety Reminders from the Superintendent

Dysart Parents and Guardians,

Greetings! As you are aware, there have been incidents of violence against schools around the country, and threats against schools locally. The recent school shootings are tragic, and I pray every day that our students will be safe from such attacks. 

Please be assured that Dysart Schools have a robust safety plan to prevent/prepare for a range of safety events (Dysart.org/Safety). Additionally, Dysart appreciates the extraordinary work by local police who assist with the safety of our students and staff. All threats to Dysart Schools are taken seriously and are reported to the police. 

Recently, there has been an increase in threats against schools, as well as false reports and fabrications of potential threats, all of which are thoroughly investigated by the police using advanced threat assessment protocols. I need your help to prevent future school disruptions, and to help students understand the serious legal consequences of making threats against a school. 

Please discuss these important points with your children:

1. Immediately share with a responsible adult information that could be considered threatening to you or our community. This could be a parent, teacher or school staff member. 
2. Threats and rumors should never be forwarded or shared online, because doing so impedes and prolongs police investigations. Students involved will be disciplined and/or arrested. 
3. Making threats or falsely reporting a threat to a school is extremely serious. These acts are a crime and a violation of our student handbook. Dysart has zero tolerance for threats against schools. Dysart will involve police and pursue criminal charges to the fullest extent of the law. If you become aware of an immediate threat, please call 911.  Otherwise, call law enforcement non-emergency lines to report potential threats towards our schools or the community in Surprise (623-222-4000), El Mirage (623-933-1341), or Maricopa County (602-876-1602). 

Another option for reporting school safety issues or concerns is through the Dysart Safe Schools Hotline (623-876-7009) or online at Dysart.org/SafeReport. Additional information, resources, and school safety tips can be found on our website at Dysart.org/Safety. 

Our teachers, social workers, counselors, administrators, students and parents are all vital to identifying and assessing potential threats. We all have a responsibility to be vigilant and should strive to prioritize the safety of our community. It is our sincere desire to ensure our campuses are a safe place for students and employees, and we appreciate your help in this effort.  

Respectfully, 

 Quinn R. Kellis, Ed.D. 

Superintendent 

Dysart Unified School District