H I G H

3 0 0 0 N C e n t e r S t r e e t
S C H O O L
L e h i , U T 8 4 0 4 3 8 0 1 - 6 1 0 - 8 8 2 0
D r. J o e l K . P e r k i n s , P r i n c i p a l
Joseph Atwood Jed Francis Jana Houle
Kari Shirk Chad Wiet,Assistant Principals
David Ludwig, Academic Director Mark Clinton, Athletic Director

November 14, 2020

Amazing Skyridge Students and Parents,
Our focus at Skyridge from the beginning has been to create a school where all feel included, involved,
and connected to our school. There was a terrible situation that happened at Skyridge three weeks ago
that has resurfaced on social media and in the news media this week. I have heard from many of you
expressing concern about the situation and the video you have seen. A situation like this is the
complete opposite of what we ever want to have happen at our school. My heart hurts when I watch
this video. Violence in any form is completely unacceptable. We must do better. This is not the Falcon
Way!
As the information that has resurfaced on social media and in the news media contains incomplete and
incorrect information, I write to you today to address some things and clear up some misinformation
that is being circulated. Although it is not legal for me to discuss many of the specific details about the
situation because it involves students, I would like to share with you what I can.
Most importantly, I want you to know that the victim is doing well and receiving the help and support
needed. The student is not a student with special needs as some have purported, and it is not
appropriate to have that misinformation being shared.
When an incident such as this occurs at Skyridge, the following steps are taken:

• There is an investigation of the incident. This includes talking with the students involved as well
as others who may have witnessed what took place.
• Parents are contacted and are involved in the process as soon as possible.
• When an incident has been verified and it is apparent that a law has been broken, law
enforcement is contacted.
• If any of the students are involved in extracurricular activities, the advisor/coach is contacted
and informed of the issue.
• Depending on the outcome of the investigation, consequences could include suspension from
school and extracurricular activities, as well as legal charges being filed. In this situation, there
were serious consequences enacted in all three areas. Certainly a one day suspension, which is
what is being shared on social media, would not be appropriate in a case such as this. Again, I
cannot share the specifics of the consequences but I assure you that it was not a one day
suspension.
I appreciate the partnership we have with the Lehi City Police Department and their involvement in
cases such as this. Corporal Prawitt is the incredible School Resource Officer (SRO) at Skyridge, and he
has provided his expertise during the investigation. He does a great job working with the staff and
students at Skyridge High.
It is unacceptable for any student to harm another, no matter what the circumstances are. It is also
unacceptable to film such action and post it on social media, or to stand around and watch it take
place. We will continue to work together as a school community of administration, faculty, staff, and
amazing students to model appropriate behavior and even more importantly, to live the Falcon Way.

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Now that video of this incident is again circulating on social media, as a school community we can
choose how we will respond. Our response to moments like these will reveal who we truly are and our
strength of character. As a school community, we can do better to look out for each other. I have great
confidence that this moment will be a defining one for all of us, and that great growth will come as we
work together. I believe in our students and our community and I know that they will rise to the
occasion and meet these expectations. We now have an opportunity to learn and grow, to embrace
kindness, and to lift and support each other - we need to be Skyridge Strong. We need to find ways to
include each member of our student body, and we all need to work together to make sure this type of
situation never happens again.
We want every student to feel safe, involved, and connected to our school. From the beginning of
Skyridge High School, our top priority has been to be a place where students feel safe and accepted.
This continues to be a top priority, especially in the challenging times in which we currently live. We
need to be Skyridge Strong and take better care of each other.
Thanks for your continued support and concern for all of our students as we continue to ensure that
our daily interactions build the school culture that we want.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joel Perkins, Principal

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