Washington Elementary

October 3, 2024 PRESS RELEASE DIXON POLICE DEPARTMENT STEVEN C. HOWELL, JR. CHIEF OF POLICE 220 SOUTH HENNEPIN AVENUE PHONE (815) 288-4411 DIXON, ILLINOIS 61021 FAX (815) 288-2228 E-Mail schowell@dixonpd.com On October 3rd, 2024 at approximately 7:41 a.m., the Reagan Middle School and Madison Elementary School received a telephone call from an individual that sounded like a young male that stated, “Get ready for a school shootout today, bye.” The staff was alerted to who the possible individual was that made the telephone call. At that time, the School Resource Officer along with Reagan Middle School Administration began conducting an investigating into the threat that was made. At approximately 7:44 a.m., the school resource officer and staff identified the individual that made the call and threat, which was a Madison Elementary School student. Through the course of the investigation, two other students were identified as possibly being involved in the telephone call that was made to the school. There were no weapons located on the individuals involved in this situation or at the school. While speaking with these individuals in regards to why the telephone call was made, we were informed, “They were just joking,” when they made the telephone call. With any comment(s) or threat, the safety and security of our students and staff is our utmost priority and we take any threats with the utmost seriousness. We will continue working with the Dixon Public Schools Administration, along with the Lee County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding this incident. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those individuals that came forward with the information in regards to who the possible individual(s) were that made the threating telephone call to the school. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Dixon Police Department at (815) 288-4411.

Please save the list of numbers below if you need to make a phone call to one of our schools!

Throughout the month of October, we're hosting the United Way - Kids Helping Kids Coin Drive, and we need YOU to help make a difference! The class at each elementary school that collects the most money will win a sweet treat: delicious Culver's custard! 🍦 Every coin counts, and all funds raised will support organizations in our own community, including Dixon Public Schools. Let’s come together, spread the word, and get those containers filled! 🏅💪

Attention DPS Families! Parent Teacher Conference Sign Ups are now live. Please click this link and choose your students appropriate school(s) to secure your slot today. https://www.dps170.org/page/parent-teacher-conferences

Attention DPS Families! Please see attached flyers for fundraising information that helps support Dixon PTO.

Dixon Public Schools is having a Special Board Meeting on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be recorded and placed on our website.  Those wishing to submit public comment need to email them to the Board President and the Superintendent by Noon on Thursday, October 3, 2024.  Public Comment received after this time, may not be guaranteed to be read aloud at this meeting.

The DHS Broadcast Club will have a second live stream this evening at 6:00 p.m. of the DHS varsity volleyball game as the Duchesses will take on the Rockford Lutheran Crusaders. Catch the action live at: https://youtube.com/live/EJ9AjF8szSw?feature=share

Join us this afternoon as the DHS Broadcast Club streams the Dixon boys varsity soccer game against the Mendota Trojans at 4:30. You can watch live here: https://youtube.com/live/n5Pz1liuO5k?feature=share

Attention DPS Families! Tonight is McTeacher Night! Go to McDonalds from 4-8pm and all proceeds will be used to fund class field trips and other activities!

The DHS Broadcast Club is going to live stream tonight's Homecoming varsity football game at AC Bowers field. Game time is 7 p.m. and you can join us here: https://youtube.com/live/4RoV4y_sxmE?feature=share

Attention DPS Families! Next Tuesday is McTeacher Night! Go to McDonalds from 4-8pm and all proceeds will be used to fund class field trips and other activities!

Thank you DHS' Cafe Royale for the special delivery to today's Board of Control Meeting. #BePurple #Thankyousuperstars

Principal Sagel talked about our Young Authors program and presented 2 of our student authors to the Board of Education at the September Board Meeting. #gopurple

The DHS Broadcast Club is live streaming tonight's varsity volleyball game from Lancaster Gymnasium. Game time is 6 p.m. and can be found at: https://youtube.com/live/Z4pJDKFz2uo?feature=share

Dixon Public Schools is having their Budget Hearing and Regular Board Meeting on Wed., September 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be recorded and posted on the District’s YouTube channel and website. Those wishing to submit public comment need to email them to the Board President, Linda Wegner and to the Superintendent, Margo Empen, by Noon on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.  Public Comment received after this time may not be guaranteed to be read aloud at this meeting.

Join DHS Broadcast Club to watch the Dukes Varsity Soccer team take on the Rockford Lutheran Crusaders from AC Bowers Field on Sept. 18 at 4:30 pm. Our live stream can be viewed here https://youtube.com/live/ZOZFIq1KQSg?feature=share

Sharing information from our friends at Dixon YMCA. Please see attached flyer for more information. Turn in the bottom half for a free week!

The DHS Broadcast Club is live streaming tonight's varsity volleyball game from Lancaster Gymnasium. Game time is 6 p.m. and can be found at: https://youtube.com/live/sUkzbm3C-uo?feature=share

From the Dixon Police Department: September 13, 2024 PRESS RELEASE UPDATE The Dixon Police Department and the Dixon Public Schools are aware there are now additional Snapchat messages that are circulating regarding the Dixon High School and the Reagan Middle School as well. The department has the screenshots of these Snapchat messages that stated, “DHS 2024 school shooters list got some info then did some things and I can confirm were on the list of 2024 school shootings. There doing it in gangs of got some info in sterling and I can confirm its true.” In speaking with the Sterling Police Department, they confirmed the original Snapchat is linked to a national social media post circulating on Snapchat. Through their investigation, there was NO information or evidence showing or indicating there was a “School Shooters List.” These messages are currently circulating amongst students locally. At this time, the Dixon Police Department with the assistance of the Dixon Public Schools Administration will continue to investigate and attempt to locate the source of these new messages that are being sent. With any comment(s) or threat, the safety and security of our students and staff is our utmost priority and we take any threats with the utmost seriousness. Out of an abundance of caution, several Dixon Police Department marked squad vehicles and officers will be present at Madison Elementary, Reagan Middle School and the Dixon High School as the students and staff returned to school next week. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Dixon Police Department at (815) 288-4411. DIXON POLICE DEPARTMENT STEVEN C. HOWELL, JR. CHIEF OF POLICE E-Mail schowell@dixonpd.com PRESS RELEASE REAGAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Dear Reagan Middle School Families, We want to inform you that on the evening of Thursday, September 12th, 2024, Sterling Public Schools were made aware of a potential threat at their middle school. Sterling Public Schools and the Sterling Police Department took this situation very seriously and thoroughly investigated the matter. Their investigation determined that the threat is highly likely to be linked to a national social media post circulating on Snapchat, rather than a local, targeted concern. While there are no reported threats to Reagan Middle School, we want to assure you that Dixon Public Schools and the Dixon Police Department are taking this matter seriously. While this post continues to circulate, there have been no reported threats at Reagan Middle School or any of the Dixon Public Schools. As a precaution, we will be increasing our vigilance and will have extra administrative and police presence in and around our building. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken. We also encourage you to remind your children of the importance of reporting any suspicious behavior or concerns to an adult immediately. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work together to maintain a safe school environment.

Watch live the Dixon High School Boys Varsity Soccer take on the Oregon Hawks at AC Bowers Field. Watch now at : https://youtube.com/live/V5ONldsBBRs?feature=share