By Julia Scammahorn
Published: May. 13, 2024 at 5:47 AM CDT|Updated: May. 13, 2024 at 9:15 AM CDT
PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. (KCTV) - Shawnee Mission School District and Kansas City Public Schools sent letters to parents Sunday amid reports of a Snapchat circulating of a man in a mask threatening to shoot up “East” High School on Monday, May 13.
Some parents called police to report the findings.
No clear username was attached to the threat, and no specific mention of the district, but both police and district personnel say they take the threat seriously. Kansas City police stated the investigation into the threats remains active as of 9:05 a.m.
Shawnee Mission School District’s Chief Communications Officer David Smith said although school officials have not confirmed the threat as credible, as a precaution they have informed parents and have scheduled additional law enforcement officers at Shawnee Mission East High School to ease concerns.
“We have seen what was shared on Snapchat. As I am sure you know, there was nothing that specifically mentioned SHANWEE MISSION East. There are probably close to 100 “East” high schools in the United States, but nevertheless, we took this very seriously, and our police, together with municipal law enforcement officers, worked hard to determine whether there was any connection to Shawnee Mission East. We have thus far been unable to find one. We did inform our parents of the post, and of what we were doing to respond. We will have additional law enforcement officers at the building in the morning, in order to ease any concerns that students or families may have.”
The letter sent to parents echoed the district’s efforts to address the situation:
“We are aware of a social media post made recently that makes threatening statements to “East High” on Monday. Know that law enforcement and SMSD leadership are both aware and continue to investigate the matter to determine the origin of the post and the “East High” to which it is referring.
“As always, we will maintain a safe and secure school environment at East. We will share more information as it is made available.”
Olathe School District sent the following letter to its families Sunday:
“Olathe East staff and families –
“I want to make you aware of a concern brought to our attention today regarding a rumored threat referencing Monday and a vague “East” high school. We are aware of the threat and, upon investigation, believe it to be similar wording to a generic threat that has circulated both nationally and locally in the past. I want to assure you that upon being notified, we immediately worked alongside our district Safety Services department and local law enforcement to investigate the situation. At this time, we do not believe Olathe East, our students or our staff to be in any danger.
“As a precaution and to help our students and staff feel an extra sense of security, we will have extra police presence on campus tomorrow. Safety is our number one priority, and we will always respond swiftly to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure our campus is safe. We are thankful to those who feel comfortable reaching out to our trusted staff members with this kind of information. We encourage you to have a discussion with your student about the seriousness with which we take all matters related to threats and rumors, as well as what to do if they hear concerning comments either online or in person.
“Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions.”
Kansas City Public Schools sent the following letter to parents in their district:
“Dear [KCPS] East High School Families,
“I am writing to you regarding a matter of urgent concern that has recently come to our attention. Over the weekend, we became aware of disturbing social media activity suggesting a potential threat to the safety of our school community.
“The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community are our top priorities, and we are treating this situation with the utmost seriousness. The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is actively investigating the source and credibility of this threat, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone within our school community. In addition to our ongoing efforts with law enforcement, extra KCPS Patrol Officers will be present on campus throughout the day.
“We understand that threats like these can be unsettling, please rest assured that we are taking every measure to address the situation. We encourage anyone who has information about the origin of this threat to come forward and report it immediately to school administration.
“I am sharing this information with you to maintain transparency and open communication with our families. If you have any information to share or concerns to express, please feel free to contact me. I am available to our families and staff to address any questions or provide further assistance.
“We will keep you posted if any additional developments arise.
“Sincerely, Principal Geoffrey Talboy - Kansas City East High School”
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