Dubai US school shuts while it boosts security over regional unrest

DUBAI // An American school that has had its operating licence suspended had informed parents it will be closed for a week to install "additional security systems" on campus.

The Dubai American Scientific School that has been barred from enroling new pupils for this academic year by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) sent out a circular to parents asking them "to keep their children at home until Thursday morning when normal classes will resume.

"Given the recent alert advice from the US Consulate regarding the political climate in the Middle East, over the next few days we are putting into place additional security systems," said the letter from the school.

Parents have been told that an e-campus system is being installed and the CCTV cameras in school and around campus are being updated. According to the letter the school will also be hiring VIP security to monitor the campus.

The notice states that the school had hired a team of American teachers to deliver a US-Core Standards curriculum and is now registered with the Warden's List at the US Consulate.

"Subsequently, we are now obliged to take into consideration all US Consulate Security Notifications."

School will be closed because of the engineers and workmen on campus for the next few days according to the circular. "We need you and your student to come to school only briefly on the day designated...for a photo to be taken for the new e-card. After the photo is taken, all must then exit the school."

The operating licence of DASS was suspended by the KHDA for severe violations including hiring teaching without proper permits, safety of pupils and poor attendance rates.