This page will be utilized throughout the EHS/HS program year to post important announcements from ECE Leader Tami Brungard and other ECEC leaders. The date will be updated to the most current announcement. Any relevant information will be sized larger than announcements that are no longer applicable. Please call ECEC at 480-362-2200 with any questions.
Updated November 22, 2023
Ske:g Taṣ! Kamduum?* Dear Salt River Schools Families,
This message is to inform you that our schools have partnered with the Salt River Police Department and the Gilbert Police Department to conduct training for police dogs.
The K-9 units will train at all of our campuses—the Early Childhood Education Center, Salt River Elementary School, the Accelerated Learning Academy, and the Administration building—today, Wednesday, Nov. 22. No staff or students will be on-site during this time.
This letter was also broadcast to families using our SchoolMessenger system. If you did not receive it, please call your child's school to ensure we have your most updated information on file. If you have any questions, call 480-362-2500 or email Communications @saltriverschools.org. I hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Dova ‘ep em ñei! Nyyuunthxa!*
Sincerely,
Dr. Melody Herne
Superintendent/Director of Education
Salt River Schools
*Ske:g Taṣ translates to “Good Day” in the O’odham language. Kamduum translates to “How are you?” in the Piipaash language. Dova ‘ep em ñei (O’odham) and Nyyuunthxa (Piipaash) translate to “I’ll see you later.”
Updated November 21, 2023
A child at the ECEC has or is suspected of having Respiratory Syncytial Virus, also known as RSV. RSV is a virus that causes the common cold and other respiratory signs or symptoms; RSV is most common in winter and early spring, but can occur year-round. This message is to inform you about RSV and the related exclusion and return-to-care practices at our facility. Without violating anyone’s confidentiality, the facts you need to know about your child's possible exposure in this situation can be found here.
Updated November 17, 2023
This message is to let you know that an ambulance was called to our campus today after a child needed medical assistance after becoming ill. Due to federal privacy laws, we are not allowed to disclose more information; however, the ambulance did transport the child, and we are expecting them to make a full recovery. Click here to read the full notice.
Updated November 16, 2023
The ECEC believes healthy children are ready to learn. Healthy eating habits begin early in a child’s life. This message is to remind families of the ECEC’s practices related to classroom celebrations, outside foods, and the safety and wellness of our children. The ECEC prohibits parents/guardians and staff from bringing outside food into the classroom for activities or parties. This includes sending food items home with children. You can find this directive in the Salt River Schools Student and Parent Handbook (page 28). ECEC families may provide an age appropriate and non-food goody bag in lieu of a food item. Click here to read more about why this policy is in place and learn what items make a great alternative to outside food.
Updated November 2, 2023
The safety and welfare of children, students, and staff are the highest priority at Salt River Schools. All our campuses practice safety drills throughout the year to help prepare staff and students for real emergency situations.
Today we practiced lockdown drills at the Early Childhood Education Center and Salt River Elementary School. The lockdown drills were led by our Safe Schools & Security Team, in partnership with the Salt River Police Department. Our school campuses each conduct four lockdown drills every school year, or as needed. This type of drill secures the school building and safely shelters all students, staff and visitors inside the building. Click here to read the full announcement.
Updated October 26, 2023
One or more ECEC students has been diagnosed with strep throat. Please watch your child for signs of sore throat and other signs of strep (headache, fever, stomach ache, rash, and swollen and tender neck glands). If your child develops a sore throat and any of these signs, please see your healthcare provider, tell them that another student at ECEC has strep, and ask to have your child tested for strep throat. Please inform ECEC if your child has been diagnosed with strep infection. Click here to view the full notice.
Updated October 24, 2023
The safety of our children is our top priority at the ECEC. This message is to let you know that the Salt River Fire Department and an ambulance were called to the ECEC today after a child sustained an injury on the playground. Due to federal privacy laws, we are not allowed to disclose more information; however, the ambulance did transport the child, and we are expecting the child to make a full recovery. Click here to read the full notice.
Updated October 6, 2023
One or more ECEC students has been diagnosed with strep throat. Please watch your child for signs of sore throat and other signs of strep (headache, fever, stomach ache, rash, and swollen and tender neck glands). If your child develops a sore throat and any of these signs, please see your healthcare provider, tell them that another student at ECEC has strep, and ask to have your child tested for strep throat. Please inform ECEC if your child has been diagnosed with strep infection. Click here to view the full notice.
Updated October 5, 2023
Salt River Schools Leadership continues to monitor the air quality around the school sites. At this time, the air quality falls within the "good" range as reported by the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources team (EPNR). The Shelter in Place was lifted this morning. We will continue monitoring the air quality daily.
Sincerely,
Salt River Schools
Updated October 4, 2023
A student at the Early Childhood Education Center has a confirmed case of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease. We want to inform you about this condition and the related exclusion and return-to-care practices at our facility. Without violating the confidentiality of this child, the facts you need to know about your child's possible exposure in this situation are attached here.
Updated October 3, 2023
Personnel from the Salt River Landfill continue to address a green waste fire that started Saturday, Sept. 30. Salt River Schools leadership is monitoring the air quality around our school sites. At this time, the air quality falls within the “moderate” range as reported by the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources team.
Our schools will begin the school day in a Shelter In Place procedure. This means students and staff will remain inside their schools with doors and windows closed. Salt River Schools will continue to monitor the wind direction and air quality; we will lift the Shelter in Place status when it is safe to do so and following the guidelines of the EPNR team.
Updated October 2, 2023
Thank you families for your support as we have been dealing with a situation like none before (substances found at ECEC).
The substance found on August 11 was sent out by SRPD for analysis. We have now received word from PD the analysis is complete and the case has been closed. As this is no longer an active investigation, we are now free to send information to you. The results from the analysis revealed traces of Fentanyl. The case status is closed for now because there are no known leads or suspects. However, please know that should information be determined, learned, shared or additional evidence or leads found, SRPD can and would immediately re-open and actively work the case once again. If you hear or see something suspicious call SRPD at 480-850-8200.
Your child’s safety is our top priority. Here are items we are currently doing and will continue improving upon.
- The entirety of ECEC was deep cleaned. We will continue to partner with Public Works to ensure the facility is deep cleaned as often as needed.
- The ECEC outside bathrooms are only opened 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and are locked by SRS Security and Public Works overnight.
- SRS Security and ECEC Administration perform regular walkthroughs of the campus to ensure safety.
- SRO PD continues to collaborate with ECEC Administration on safety protocols. This week Officer Brown will be presenting Drug Awareness and Trends to the staff.
- Salt River Schools has collaborated with Public Works to ensure camera coverage areas have been reviewed and improved to allow additional views as needed.
- EDU Leadership collaborated with SRPD leaders on communication, procedures for students, staff and families, and protocols for SRS Security.
- SRS Security and SRO PD have been in collaboration on the following:
- reviewed safety protocols and updates are currently being made to the School Safety documents
- provided training to staff to ensure we are all following the “See Something Say Something” procedures
- drug prevention and education community events during Soda with Security
- EDU Leadership, SRS Security, SRO PD will provide Division-wide professional development related to drug prevention and education.
- EDU Leadership and SRO PD will collaborate to bring a K-9 unit presence to the ECEC campus.
- Narcan is available on all campuses and staff training will be provided on the accurate use.
- SRS will partner with Strategy Team N – Youth Drug Prevention, during the October 21st Youth Drug Awareness Event and Storytelling.
- ECEC staff will meet EDU Leadership, SRS Security and SRO PD on ECEC updates.
We invite families to a Community Meeting that will include an informational presentation and a Question and Answer session. Please join us on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 8-8:30 a.m., or 5-5:30 p.m. in the ECEC Gathering Place. Both sessions will present the same information.
Like the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Salt River Schools, the ECEC has a zero tolerance drug policy. If you see something suspicious, please report it to law enforcement. Furthermore, if you or someone you know is experiencing issues with addiction, please call the 24/7 Behavioral Health Services Crisis Line at 480-850-9230. Behavioral Health is located in the River People Health Center. Learn more at www.rphc.org/services/behavioral-health/.
Thank you,
Salt River Schools
Updated October 2, 2023
The safety and security of our school campuses continue to be our first priority. Due to the landfill fire, the air quality is reduced. The landfill fire may continue to smolder for several days.EDU Leadership is in collaboration with Tribal departments to ensure staff and student safety.
At this time, all education buildings are in a shelter-in-place under our emergency management plans. Public Works staff will be closing all fresh air dampers and fresh air intakes to the HVAC units on all sites to reduce the amount of smoke going into our facilities. This decision was made to improve the air quality in our buildings. Masks have been distributed to school sites and are available to all staff and students.
We will continue to send updates as we receive them regarding this issue. Please reach out to your child's school for additional information.
Thank you,
Salt River Schools
Updated September 22, 2023
One or more ECEC students has been diagnosed with strep throat. Please watch your child for signs of sore throat and other signs of strep (headache, fever, stomach ache, rash, and swollen and tender neck glands). If your child develops a sore throat and any of these signs, please see your healthcare provider, tell them that another student at ECEC has strep, and ask to have your child tested for strep throat. Please inform ECEC if your child has been diagnosed with strep infection. Click here to view the full notice.
Updated September 20, 2023
The safety of our staff and the children in our care is our top priority at the ECEC, and we practice emergency and crisis response plans with a variety of safety drills throughout the program year.
This message is to inform you that today, Wednesday, Sept. 20, we practiced a FIRE DRILL. These drills are a requirement and are completed in partnership with the Salt River Fire Department. This type of drill is an evacuation in which every adult and child evacuates the building to safety. Once everyone is accounted for, the drill is lifted and school/business resumes as normal.
We want children and families t to understand and be aware of the importance of this drill and not be afraid when the fire alarm is sounded. Practicing ensures children will know what to do and how to do it in a real emergency.
Our drill today ran smoothly, and procedures were effortlessly followed. If you have any questions regarding today’s drill or other safety concerns, please contact the ECEC at 480-362-2200.
Updated September 13, 2023
A student at the Early Childhood Education Center has a confirmed case of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease. We want to inform you about this condition and the related exclusion and return-to-care practices at our facility. Without violating the confidentiality of this child, the facts you need to know about your child's possible exposure in this situation are attached here.
Update September 6, 2023
Last week we notified you about the closure of Head Start (preschool) Playground 3 due to burrowing pests. The playground is now reopened for use. We’re happy to report that no critters have been spotted in the area since last week, and Public Works will be cementing under the ramp to minimize the chance animals burrowing there.
Part of the normal routine for ECEC staff anytime we’re outside with children is to check the area, including playgrounds, for animals and/or insects that might be around. We will continue to be vigilant, as the health and safety of our children is our top priority.
If you have any questions, call the ECEC at 480-362-2200.
Updated September 5, 2023
The safety of our children is our top priority at the ECEC. This message is to let you know that emergency responders, including the Salt River Fire Department and an ambulance, were called to the ECEC today after a child experienced respiratory distress in the classroom. Due to federal privacy laws, we are not allowed to disclose more information; however, we are expecting the child to make a full recovery and return to campus soon.
Some children may come home today and want to talk about the first responders on campus, or about the injury their classmate experienced. Just like teachers do in classrooms, we encourage families to talk with young children about emergency responders and the importance of safety and taking care of our bodies. Our health team recommends parents check out this resource from Nemours KidsHealth for more information.
Thank you,
Tami Brungard, ECE Leader 480-362-2200
[email protected]
Updated September 1, 2023
A snake and other small animals burrowing under a ramp on Head Start (preschool) Playground 3 were discovered today.
We immediately moved all children out of the area and closed the playground. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Salt River Schools security staff, SRPMIC Public Works, and SRPD Animal Control were contacted to address the situation and resolve the issue.
Playground 3 will be closed until a solution is found. Until then, Head Start (preschool) classrooms will be able to use Playground 4 for outdoor play.
If you have any questions, call the ECEC at 480-362-2200.
Updated August 31, 2023
The safety and welfare of children, students, and staff are the highest priority at Salt River Schools. All our campuses practice safety drills throughout the year to help prepare staff and students for real emergency situations.
Today, August 31, lockdown drills were practiced at the Early Childhood Education Center and the Accelerated Learning Academy. The lockdown drill was led by our Safe Schools & Security Team, in partnership with the Salt River Police Department. Our school campuses each conduct four lockdown drills every school year, or as needed. This type of drill secures the school building and safely shelters all students, staff and visitors inside the building. Click here to read the rest of our notice.
Updated August 24, 2023
Dear Early Childhood Education Center Families,
Last week our SRPD School Resource Officer and Safe Schools & Security staff were on-site to answer safety-related questions for families. Given the response to those meetings, we want to offer more opportunities for families to speak with Officer Daniel Brown and Security Manager Esteban Lopez. We are so appreciative of their time and expertise.
Parents may choose whichever timeframe works best; or call the ECEC at 480-362-2200 to schedule a different time. Both sessions will be hosted inside the Gathering Place.
Safety & Security Info Session 1
Friday, 8/25, from 7:30-9AM
Safety & Security Info Session 2
Wednesday, 8/30, from 3-5:30PM
Our top priority is your child’s safety, and we are committed to transparency that is accurate, timely, and appropriate in our communication with families. You can help by ensuring we have your most updated contact on file with the ECEC and by calling our school to get the correct information when you hear concerning rumors.
Please note: Important notices written in partnership with campus and Division leaders will only come via official channels: the SchoolMessenger broadcast system (calls/emails/texts), our official website (ECEC.SaltRiverSchools.org), and printed letterhead that includes our logos. Sometimes, we also post notices to our official social media platforms (@saltriverschools on Instagram and Facebook). If you read or hear something about our school that doesn’t come from one of these sources, please call or email me to confirm the information.
Thank you,
Tami Brungard, ECE Leader
480-362-2200
[email protected]
Updated August 18, 2023
The safety of our children is our top priority at the ECEC. This message is to let you know that the Salt River Fire Department and an ambulance were called to the ECEC today after a child sustained an injury in their classroom. Due to federal privacy laws, we are not allowed to disclose more information; however, the ambulance did transport the child, and we are expecting the child to make a full recovery and return to campus soon. Click here to read the full notice.
Updated August 18, 2023
The message is to inform you that our campus fire alarm sounded this morning around 7:13 a.m. The Salt River Fire Department responded quickly and cleared the alarm shortly thereafter.
According to authorities, the alarm was triggered by construction happening on our campus. Work crews were sawing into the ceiling where the current site and new construction meet. The friction from the saw caused sparks, which landed on the roof and ignited debris. This caused smoke to be brought into the B building air system.
The Fire Marshal cleared the all rooms except B-150, which was being used as the temporary Cougar classroom, while their air conditioning was being fixed. Cougar children and staff have returned to A-113, as their A/C is now working without issues. Room B-150 will be available for use when the smell of smoke dissipates.
During the alarm, our staff, children, and visitors all evacuated without issue, and we are grateful for the quick response from the fire department. The Fire Marshall spoke with construction crews to ensure debris is removed to prevent this situation from happening in the future.
Your child may come home talking about what happened today. Just like teachers do in classrooms, we encourage families to talk with young children about what to do when they hear a fire alarm. Click here to review some great fire safety tips from the American Red Cross.
If you have any questions, please call the ECEC at 480-362-2200.
Respectfully,
Tami Brungard
Early Childhood Education Leader
[email protected]
Updated August 18, 2023
The letter is to inform you that a child at the ECEC was recently diagnosed with strep throat. Please take these precautions: Watch your child for signs of sore throat and other signs of strep (headache, fever, stomach ache, rash, and swollen and tender neck glands). If your child develops a sore throat and any of these signs, see your healthcare provider and tell them that another student at ECEC has strep. Ask to have your child tested for strep throat. Please inform the ECEC if your child is diagnosed with strep infection. Click here for more information about strep throat.
Updated August 15, 2023
The safety of our children is our top priority at the ECEC. This message is to let you know that the Salt River Fire Department and an ambulance were called to the ECEC today after a child sustained an injury in their classroom. Due to federal privacy laws, we are not allowed to disclose more information; however, the ambulance did not transport the child, and we’re told the child will make a full recovery and return to campus soon.
Some children may come home today and want to talk about the fire truck and/or ambulance, or about the injury their classmate experienced. Just like teachers do in classrooms, we encourage families to talk with young children about emergency responders, the importance of taking care of our bodies, and what to do if we get injured. Our health team recommends parents check out this resource from Nemours KidsHealth for more information.
We also wanted to take the opportunity to update families about last week’s incidents regarding the discovery of unknown substances and the deep clean of our campus.
Public Works sanitized our entire campus August 11-13, including all bathrooms, classrooms, playground equipment, and offices. Additionally, the doors to the ECEC cafeteria and all outdoor bathrooms remain locked and are being checked every hour throughout the day by ECEC leaders. We also increased the presence of our SRPD School Resource Officer and our Safe Schools & Security team on campus.
The information we are allowed to share about last week’s incidents remains limited, as they are being actively investigated by authorities. We can tell you that the substances found in all three incidents have been sent to a lab for testing.
We want to share as much as we can. To that end, SRO Daniel Brown and Security Manager Esteban Lopez will host two informal sessions for parents to ask questions and learn more about the procedures followed in cases like this. Parents may choose whichever timeframe works best; or call the ECEC at 480-362-2200 to schedule a different time.
Safety & Security Info Session 1
Wednesday, 8/16, from 7-9:30AM
Drop-off Lane (outside)
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Safety & Security Info Session 2
Thursday, 8/17, from 2-5:30PM
Gathering Place (inside)
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As always, our top priority is your child’s safety, and we are committed to transparency that is accurate, timely, and appropriate in our communication with families. You can help by ensuring we have your most updated contact on file with the ECEC and by calling our school to get the correct information when you hear concerning rumors.
We’d like to remind everyone that the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Salt River Schools, and the ECEC have a zero tolerance drug policy. If you see something suspicious, please report it to law enforcement. Furthermore, if you or someone you know is experiencing issues with addiction, please call the 24/7 Behavioral Health Services Crisis Line at 480-850-9230. Behavioral Health is located in the River People Health Center. Learn more at www.rphc.org/services/behavioral-health/.
Thank you,
Tami Brungard, ECE Leader
480-362-2200
[email protected]
Updated August 15, 2023
A student at the Early Childhood Education Center has a confirmed case of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease. We want to inform you about this condition and the related exclusion and return-to-care practices at our facility. Without violating the confidentiality of this child, the facts you need to know about your child's possible exposure in this situation are attached here.
Updated August 14, 2023
A student at the Early Childhood Education Center has a confirmed case of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease. We want to inform you about this condition and the related exclusion and return-to-care practices at our facility. Without violating the confidentiality of this child, the facts you need to know about your child's possible exposure in this situation are attached here.
Updated August 11, 2023
Dear Early Childhood Education Center Families,
The ECEC will be closed immediately today, Friday, Aug. 11, to undergo deep cleaning. Please pick up your child as soon as possible.
This decision was made out of an abundance of caution with respect to the three incidents that have occurred this week and the discovery of unknown substances in adult restrooms. All three incidents remain under investigation, and we still do not know what the substances are; however, student safety and wellness is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding as we work to find answers and ensure our campus remains as safe as possible.
The ECEC will reopen at 7 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 14. Please call the ECEC with any questions or email [email protected].
Thank you,
Tami Brungard
ECE Leader
Updated August 11, 2023
Dear Early Childhood Education Center Families,
This notice is to let you know of an incident that occurred on campus today requiring the presence and coordination of our Safe Schools & Security team and the Salt River Police Department.
Custodial staff found an unknown substance today while cleaning an adult restroom on campus and immediately reported it to security and police; like the two incidents we informed you about yesterday, this is now under active investigation by law enforcement. We do not know what the substance is, and it would be inappropriate to speculate. Additionally, because all three incidents are under investigation, we are not allowed to disclose specific details.
Other than possibly seeing police on campus, these incidents have had no impact to ECEC children or their learning day. However, your child’s safety is our top priority, and we are taking this matter seriously. Out of an abundance of caution, the ECEC will take the following actions until we have more information from investigators:
- The ECEC will lock all exterior restrooms, regardless of whether or not they are for adults or children.
- The office area restrooms will be available to adults.
- Children will continue using the restrooms located inside their classrooms; staff may use a classroom restroom if no children are present.
Like the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Salt River Schools, the ECEC has a zero tolerance drug policy. If you see something suspicious, please report it to law enforcement. Furthermore, if you or someone you know is experiencing issues with addiction, please call the 24/7 Behavioral Health Services Crisis Line at 480-850-9230. Behavioral Health is located in the River People Health Center. Click here to learn more.
Thank you,
Tami Brungard
ECE Leader
Updated August 10, 2023
Dear Early Childhood Education Center Families,
This notice is to let you know of incidents that occurred on campus this week that required the presence and coordination of our Safe Schools & Security team and the Salt River Police Department.
On two separate occasions, custodial staff found an unknown substance while cleaning a restroom on campus. Both incidents occurred in the same restroom and were immediately reported to security and police and are under active investigation by law enforcement.
We want to make it clear that the bathroom in question is not used by children, and while all Salt River Schools staff and some campus visitors would have access to this bathroom, it is not one commonly used by ECEC staff.
We do not know what the substance is; however, we are taking this matter seriously and want to be proactive with our families. This is a great reminder to stay vigilant, and remember that we have a zero tolerance drug policy in our Community and especially at Salt River Schools. If you see something suspicious, please report it to law enforcement.
Thank you,
Tami Brungard
ECE Leader