This letter is to update you on current events at Shamley School over the past two days.As I wrote in my email last night, there was an incident involving federal law enforcement near our school on May 26. A parent of a Shamley School student was detained by federal immigration authorities off campus.At no time did Federal Agents enter Shamley School.
The detention of a Shamley parent did not take place on school property.
The parent signed the student out of school in accordance with school procedures.
We understand that this situation has caused concern for students, families, staff, and community members. We remain focused on providing a safe and secure environment for our students.
To ensure safety, we are modifying tomorrow’s eighth grade promotion ceremony. The ceremony will take place at the scheduled time but without parents or guests in the audience. Our Shamley sixth and seventh grade students will attend the ceremony to celebrate this accomplishment with the eighth grade students. The ceremony will be recorded and shared with eighth grade families. We will send an email to eighth grade families with a link to the video as soon as it is available for viewing. At 9:30 a.m., parents of eighth grade students will be able to pick up their students from the front office. If you are unable to pick up your eighth grade student, they will remain on campus and dismiss as scheduled.
This change may be disappointing for some families, however, we feel it is truly in the best interest of our students and staff. I appreciate the partnership, kind words, and questions that I have received from our parents. Thank you for your cooperation as we prioritize our students.
And why am I forced to pay county property taxes if I cannot participate in the school I'm funding? No, Ms. Principal, We the taxpayers, have some input into the activities of our children. You are not the sole arbitor of my child's education or extracurricular activities. Get over your self importance, open the doors, have a security guard in place, and lets all enjoy the graduation.
She appreciates the partnership and kind words... but not the honest objections to her arbitrary pretty authoritarianism and stupidity. I'm sure she appreciates the request to backtrack even less.
Cecil Shamley School just confirmed in writing that federal agents did not enter the school, the detention of a parent did not happen on school property, and the parent signed the student out according to school procedures.
So why are all parents now being banned from attending their children’s 8th grade promotion ceremony?
This is not a safety plan. This is collective punishment.
If the concern is safety, then use normal safety procedures: ID checks, sign-in at the front office, visitor badges, limited tickets, staff presence, and security if needed.
But do not take away a once-in-a-lifetime moment from 8th grade students and their parents when the school’s own message says the incident did not happen on campus.
Tempe Elementary School District needs to answer one simple question tonight:
What written district policy authorizes Cecil Shamley School to ban all parents and guests from the 8th grade promotion ceremony?
https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/2060080396088258818?s=20
🤞Had grok get me the text of the letter -
May 27, 2026
Dear Shamley Families,
This letter is to update you on current events at Shamley School over the past two days.As I wrote in my email last night, there was an incident involving federal law enforcement near our school on May 26. A parent of a Shamley School student was detained by federal immigration authorities off campus.At no time did Federal Agents enter Shamley School.
The detention of a Shamley parent did not take place on school property.
The parent signed the student out of school in accordance with school procedures.
We understand that this situation has caused concern for students, families, staff, and community members. We remain focused on providing a safe and secure environment for our students.
To ensure safety, we are modifying tomorrow’s eighth grade promotion ceremony. The ceremony will take place at the scheduled time but without parents or guests in the audience. Our Shamley sixth and seventh grade students will attend the ceremony to celebrate this accomplishment with the eighth grade students. The ceremony will be recorded and shared with eighth grade families. We will send an email to eighth grade families with a link to the video as soon as it is available for viewing. At 9:30 a.m., parents of eighth grade students will be able to pick up their students from the front office. If you are unable to pick up your eighth grade student, they will remain on campus and dismiss as scheduled.
This change may be disappointing for some families, however, we feel it is truly in the best interest of our students and staff. I appreciate the partnership, kind words, and questions that I have received from our parents. Thank you for your cooperation as we prioritize our students.
Sincerely,
Bronwyn Sternberg
Principal
And why am I forced to pay county property taxes if I cannot participate in the school I'm funding? No, Ms. Principal, We the taxpayers, have some input into the activities of our children. You are not the sole arbitor of my child's education or extracurricular activities. Get over your self importance, open the doors, have a security guard in place, and lets all enjoy the graduation.
Dummy!
She appreciates the partnership and kind words... but not the honest objections to her arbitrary pretty authoritarianism and stupidity. I'm sure she appreciates the request to backtrack even less.
This letter was posted to the school's page:
Neftali Smith
Cecil Shamley School just confirmed in writing that federal agents did not enter the school, the detention of a parent did not happen on school property, and the parent signed the student out according to school procedures.
So why are all parents now being banned from attending their children’s 8th grade promotion ceremony?
This is not a safety plan. This is collective punishment.
If the concern is safety, then use normal safety procedures: ID checks, sign-in at the front office, visitor badges, limited tickets, staff presence, and security if needed.
But do not take away a once-in-a-lifetime moment from 8th grade students and their parents when the school’s own message says the incident did not happen on campus.
Tempe Elementary School District needs to answer one simple question tonight: What written district policy authorizes Cecil Shamley School to ban all parents and guests from the 8th grade promotion ceremony?