Marana police have increased presence on campus Tuesday in response to a shooting threat.
According to a letter from principal Leona Dickson, police were not able to substantiate the threat -- that there would be a shooting at the school Tuesday -- which was written on the stalls of the boy's bathrooms.
The school is located at 11285 W. Grier Road.
Marana police spokesman Chriswell Scott confirmed the additional police presence on campus Tuesday.
Here is the letter Dickson sent parents, dated Monday, Dec. 4.
Dear Falcon Families,
I am reaching out to you to share an issue which is occurring at our school. Last week there were several incidences where graffiti was written on the stalls in two of the boy's bathrooms. The graffiti consisted of inappropriate images and statements, including a written statement of a shooting at our school on Tuesday, December 5.
After an investigation into this matter, the Marana Police Department is unable to substantiate the threat. I want to assure you that the school administration is continuing to work closely with the Marana Police Department regarding this issue of ongoing graffiti, and I am asking our parents to contact school administration or the Marana Police Department if you have any information related to this problem.
Please know that Marana Middle School will follow our regular schedule tomorrow. Aligned with our standard procedure, there will be an additional Marana Police Department School Resource presence, as well as District School Safety Support on campus tomorrow.
I want to take this opportunity to also encourage parents to assist us by discussing with your child the seriousness of graffiti and making threatening statements. We do not take incidents, such as this, lightly at our school. It is important that our students understand that the type of incident can include consequences aligned with our discipline matrix and Arizona Criminal Law including vandalism, criminal damage, destruction of school environment, and threat/intimidation. By working in partnership, we can continue to provide secure schools, free from graffiti, for everyone.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our outstanding Falcons and your partnership with our school.
Lerona Dickson
Principal
