In alignment with the Sacaton Elementary School District’s ongoing commitment to ensure a safe, secure, and healthy learning environment, the District will implement enhanced campus entry and screening protocols beginning Monday, November 3, 2025.
As part of these proactive safety measures, students will no longer be permitted to bring hoodies, backpacks, or other carry-in items onto campus. This includes the restriction of reusable water bottles, beverage containers, and personal bags of any kind. To ensure that students remain hydrated and prepared for learning, the District will allow only sealed, unopened water bottles, which may be brought to school by hand (not in a bag or backpack).
All essential school supplies will be provided by the District to minimize disruption to student learning and to support equitable access to classroom materials.
Rationale and Purpose
The decision to restrict carry-in items is a preventative safety initiative designed to reduce the potential for vapes, drugs, alcohol, weapons, and other prohibited or unsafe items to be brought onto campus.
In recent years, schools nationwide have seen an increase in the concealment of illegal substances and hazardous materials within backpacks, hoodies, and personal containers. These items create opportunities for unsafe behaviors and interfere with the District’s ability to maintain a learning environment centered on student well-being and academic success.
By implementing a structured entry process, Sacaton Elementary School District seeks to:
Enhance campus safety by limiting opportunities to conceal or transport prohibited materials.
Support student health and well-being through proactive prevention and consistent expectations.
Create a more orderly and focused start to each school day by streamlining the entry and screening process.
Foster a culture of responsibility, accountability, and respect for shared school safety.
Structured Entry and Screening Process
Beginning November 3, 2025:
Students will enter campus through designated, supervised entry points.
Staff will conduct visual screenings to ensure compliance with the carry-in restrictions.
Backpacks, bags, hoodies with pockets, and unsealed water bottles will not be permitted beyond entry points.
Students bringing sealed, unopened water bottles may carry them by hand.
All school supplies (writing utensils, notebooks, folders, etc.) will be issued by the District and stored securely in classrooms.
The District’s School Safety and Emergency Response Team, in collaboration with Gila River Police Department and other safety partners, has reviewed and approved the protocol as part of a comprehensive approach to school safety.
Commitment to Students and Families
Sacaton Elementary School District remains deeply committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which every student can thrive. We recognize that these procedures represent a significant change in daily routines; however, they are guided by the belief that safety is the foundation of student success.
We appreciate the cooperation, understanding, and partnership of our families and community members as we implement these proactive measures. Together, we will continue to uphold the values of safety, respect, and responsibility that define our District.