91ÖÆƬ³§

Local law enforcement has made us aware of an alarming increase in gang activity and violence in our valley. 91ÖÆƬ³§ has been working proactively with our school resource officers and law enforcement to address this issue. However, we have reached a point where it is believed that the level of gang activity threatens the safety and well-being of our students while at school.

The law enforcement community has been clear that there has been a dangerous rise in not only gang activity but also gang-related violence in Wenatchee. On both sides of the river gang activity and violence are happening in and around schools and at school sporting events. East Wenatchee and Wenatchee law enforcement is asking for our help with this problem so we can continue to provide a safe environment for students, staff, and families to learn and thrive.

Gang involvement is not limited to high school students, our district has encountered students as young as 4th and 5th grades who are involved in these activities. Of grave concern is that reported gang violence is threatening innocent students who have no gang affiliation by the clothing they wear. Any student at any age may unknowingly wear certain clothing or accessories that may put them in danger of being harmed. For example wearing certain professional sports team hats, red or blue clothing, and/or numbers on clothing. Clothing and accessories we may consider harmless such as a baseball cap or little league jersey with the #13 on the back could unknowingly put your student at risk.

The 91ÖÆƬ³§ is partnering with law enforcement to address this serious concern by enforcing a list of prohibited items in school that are determined to be gang-related. This list will be strictly enforced starting Monday, April 18 in all grades PK-12. We will have a zero-tolerance policy on these prohibited items. This action is not meant to be punitive but the severity of this situation has reached a level where enforcement is necessary to protect the safety of our students.

The prohibited items list is posted on the district website and will be updated as gang behaviors change and new emerging behaviors are identified. 

We are asking all parents to review the prohibited list of items with their students and help them make choices when getting dressed for school.

Parents and the public are invited to join us for a community conversation on gang violence and activity. This event is intended to help inform and educate parents and the community on gangs and gang activity in schools. This event will include law enforcement, school resource officers, and community resources to support students and families.  

Community Conversation: Gang Violence and Activity in Schools 
May 4, 2022
6:00-7:30 PM 
91ÖÆƬ³§ Central Office
235 Sunset Ave, Wenatchee