March 4 – 4:16 p.m.
Good afternoon, Falcons,
We look forward to cheering on our boys’ basketball team in the district championship tomorrow night. Given the weekend’s events at NKCHS, two games will now be held in Winnetonka’s main gym on Tuesday night:
- Winnetonka vs. William Chrisman at 5:30 p.m.
- Staley vs. Oak Park at 8:00 p.m.
NKC Schools is focused on providing a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all attendees at the district championship games. While NKCHS is safe, it’s important that we allow the Northtown community time to heal, process, and connect this week. They will return to hosting events in the near future.
We anticipate a full house for each exciting matchup. Additional measures will be in place to minimize crowd congestion during and between both games.
- Tickets will be limited and available to students, families, and those affiliated with the teams playing.
- Tickets can be purchased here: https://mshsaa.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/2450. If tickets are not sold out, admission may be purchased online at the door. Tickets are only valid for one game.
- No backpacks nor large bags are allowed per our current policy.
- Doors will open for the Tonka vs. William Chrisman game at 4:30 p.m. at the activities/main gym entrance.
- The main gym and parking lots will be completely cleared out after the Tonka vs. Chrisman game prior to allowing spectators to enter for the second game.
- Doors will open for the second game at 7:00 p.m. at the school’s main student entrance. Spectators for the Staley vs. Oak Park game are asked to arrive no earlier than 7:00 p.m.
- There will be an increased security presence to support traffic flow and assist as needed.
- All Oak Park and Staley students planning to attend the game are required to ride the spirit buses OR be accompanied by a parent or guardian to gain admission to the games. This will minimize parking congestion. More details will be shared soon.
We appreciate the community’s flexibility as we adjusted plans this weekend. Tuesday night will be a great chance to cheer on our district teams and showcase our school pride. Let’s go Falcons!
Dr. Smith
Principal, Staley High School
NKCSD Superintendent Communication
March 3, 4:39 p.m.
NKC Schools community –
As you have heard on the news, from friends and family, or on social media, a senseless shooting occurred at North Kansas City HighSchool yesterday evening as our community was enjoying basketball games and a debate tournament. This incident weighs heavy on my heart. In one moment, I was enjoying amazing competition between our incredible teams; then in the next, watching students and families scatter as gunfire rang out. Amid the initial chaos, our staff, community members, emergency personnel and law enforcement responded immediately, providing tremendous leadership and care.
No one, especially no child, should ever have to experience what some did yesterday – running from gunfire. Please know that the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. At this time, we’ve confirmed the instigators are not students in NorthKansas City Schools.
Sadly, one of the victims is a student at North Kansas City HighSchool. The other is an adult who has no association with the schooldistrict. NKCPD announced this was an isolated event and there is no threat to the public. We are working with our law enforcement partners to hold those responsible accountable. During the ongoing investigation, NKCPD will provide continued updates. They ask that anyone with information, photos, or video contact the Greater KansasCity Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
For added reassurance, an additional security presence will be in place while this investigation continues. NKC Schools made significant investments in this area in recent years, and we will continue to expand on those efforts. I saw many of the tools and resources at our disposal in action last night. We must remain on the leading edge of measures that ensure school safety and security.
It’s important to name and call out the individuals who acted so selflessly. In challenging times like this, it’s easy to fixate only on those who had no respect for the lives of others nor their own. In contrast, the number of good people putting others before themselves, far outweighed the few who came from outside our community with ill intent.
While the incident occurred outside, two of our Athletic Directors in the gym, David Garrison and Chad Valadez, were the first to shout, “Active Shooter”, to alert others and evacuate them to safety. Administrators to include Larry Smith, Kevin Kooi, Hawar Khalandi, Theo Fundermann, Kara King, Tammie May and Casey Vokolek quickly directed our students and families to secure locations, comforting and taking shelter alongside them. Our basketball and debate coaches protected their students, providing reassurance and support during a time of uncertainty. These individuals include Chris Neff and his coaching staff, Ed Fritz and his coaching staff, Amanda Dolinger, David Dempsey, Joel Barbosa, Tyler Unsell, Shane Sandau, Paul Hackenberger, Nicki Wagner, Trish Vessar, Tommy Burke, Shawn Daugherty and Zac McGee.
Being just one block away, officers from NKCPD immediately joined our School Resource Deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, with KCPD soon to follow. In coordination with NKC Schools’ safety and security leaders, Rob McLees and Mitzi Boydston, our law enforcement partners worked together seamlessly to clear classrooms and locker rooms, ushering all to a safe exit. Many individuals began reviewing footage from nearly one hundred camera views. Michelle Riggins, Russ Collins, Danny Pearson, Wally Judge, Kyle White, Jo Couch and John West pieced together and corroborated all that happened, carefully preparing it for law enforcement. Eric Johnson and Hawar Khalandi were exceptionally gifted at seeing small details that eventually told the full story.
The visuals we pored through revealed valiant parents escorting elderly patrons to safety. Clayton and Sherri Statler, of Staley, provided aid to the NKCHS student who had been shot, stabilizing him until paramedics arrived. Central Office personnel including Chad Evans, Eric Johnson, Enjoli Avila, Peyton Galloway and Susan Hiland immediately came on site to assist.
Most of the people mentioned in the paragraphs above stayed late into the night, assisting law enforcement in the investigation. I’m simply sharing the amazing individuals and response I witnessed firsthand. No doubt there were many others who stepped up in a moment of need to support our students, families, and visitors.
On Monday and beyond, if need be, counseling and support will be available for any students or staff who may need assistance. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our school‘s counselors or administration if needed. Additional resources you may find helpful in navigating conversations include:
- Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Families and Educators from the National Association of SchoolPsychologists
We are ready to welcome back and serve students tomorrow. Thank you to all those in the community who have reached out with generous offers of support. I have been continually reminded of what partnership and caring spirit permeates the Northland. I pledge to provide information and updates as they become available. We are one North Kansas City Schools, and we will move forward together.
Sincerely,
Rochel Daniels, Ph.D.
Superintendent
North Kansas City Schools
NKCSD Communication
March 2 – 6:41 p.m.
Northtown, Oak Park and Staley staff and families:
Unfortunately, we are writing to make you aware of an incident that occurred during this afternoon’s basketball games hosted at NorthKansas City High School. Near the end of the Staley-NKCHS game, a shooting occurred outside the building on the east side. Police were already present in a security role and responded immediately. All guests inside were asked to stay indoors while law enforcement worked to resolve the issue safely.
At this point, 2-3 potential victims are being provided medical assistance. Those guests in attendance may leave. We do not have any further details to share, but can confirm that anyone involved has been contacted directly. We look forward to a full police investigation.
North Kansas City Schools