At Cartwright School District, the safety of our students, staff, and families is our number one priority — every day, in every school. During School Safety Week, we take a moment to highlight the important work happening behind the scenes to ensure our campuses remain secure, welcoming, and well-prepared for any situation. It is a shared responsibility, and we are proud to partner with you to keep our children safe.
This week, we are featuring two special videos. The first video emphasizing bus safety and the importance of sharing the road responsibly. The second introduces you to a key leader in our district’s safety efforts.
Prioritizing Safety at Cartwright: Meet Joey Ohnesorge
Leading these efforts is Joey Ohnesorge, the district’s Safety and Risk Management Administrator. With deep experience and a strong commitment to student well-being, Joey oversees the district’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). This framework guides how each school develops its own customized safety procedures to fit its unique needs.
“Here at Cartwright, school safety is our number one priority,” Joey explains. He emphasizes that every school creates and practices its own emergency operations plan based on the district's EOP, which includes regular safety drills and protocols.
To ensure students and staff know exactly what to do in an emergency, each campus conducts monthly drills. These exercises are crucial for building preparedness and confidence. They include:
Fire Evacuation Drills: Practicing safe and orderly evacuation from school buildings.
Shelter-in-Place: This drill is activated for situations like severe weather, police situation off campus or a nearby environmental hazard, such as a gas leak. Students and staff remain safely inside their classrooms, and instruction continues as usual.
Lockdown: A lockdown is implemented when there is a potential or active threat near or on campus. During a lockdown, students and staff secure their classrooms and follow practiced safety procedures until authorities give the all-clear.
Safety extends beyond our school walls, which is why we value our strong partnership with the Phoenix Police Department. Joey Ohnesorge works closely with local law enforcement to ensure every middle school has a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO). Additionally, all K-6 and K-8 campuses have a School Safety Officer.
These officers are an integral part of our school communities. They not only help maintain campus security but also build strong, positive relationships with students and staff, contributing to a supportive learning environment for everyone.
As we highlight school safety, we ask our parents, guardians, and community members to play an active role. Your partnership is essential, especially during arrival and dismissal times. Please remember to:
Drive the speed limit in all school zones.
Use designated crosswalks and stay alert for pedestrians.
Respect school bus laws. Always give buses ample space on the road and stop when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Our students created a fantastic video to show just how important this is.
At Cartwright, safety is everyone’s responsibility — from the classroom to the car line. Thanks to leaders like Joey Ohnesorge, our dedicated staff, and our partnership with families, you can feel confident that your children are learning and growing in a secure and caring environment.