Unnamed incident at SM North leads to parent notification

Grace Altenhofen, Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2019

SM North parents recieved an email from Principal Jeremy Higgins around 10 a.m. on April 3 notifying them of an incident that took place at school.

The email went on to say that the school has been working with district and local police; however, it declined to further comment on what the incident was.

“We have become aware of some chatter that has been occurring on social media over the last 12 hours, involving a few students here at North, along with other young people not associated with our school,” Higgins wrote in the email. “So far, there is no indication of any direct threat to the school. I do want to assure you that this incident is being handled in accordance with both district policies and state and federal laws.”

Higgins added that parents should talk with students about reporting potential violence to the school.

“This is an excellent time to remind our students that ‘If you see something, say something,'” Higgins wrote. “We take every ‘threat’ to a student, staff member or the building seriously, including those made casually or in jest. This would be a good time to remind your child that, in today’s world, it is never okay to joke about violence or the threat of violence.”

The email can be read in full below:

Dear Shawnee Mission North Parents,

I am writing to inform you of an incident that has been unfolding here today at Shawnee Mission North High School. We have become aware of some chatter that has been occurring on social media over the last 12 hours, involving a few students here at North, along with other young people not associated with our school.

We have been in contact with both municipal and district police, and they have been working to understand what is going on, and to speak with the individuals involved. So far, there is no indication of any direct threat to the school. I do want to assure you that this incident is being handled in accordance with both district policies and state and federal laws.

This is an excellent time to remind our students that “If you see something, say something.” We take every “threat” to a student, staff member or the building seriously, including those made casually or in jest. This would be a good time to remind your child that, in today’s world, it is never okay to joke about violence or the threat of violence. Meanwhile, we will continue to do everything in our power keep Shawnee Mission North High School a safe and nurturing school environment.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeremy Higgins

Principal