OMAHA —At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Northwest High was placed on lockdown following a shooting on campus with one victim reported, according to a media release from the school district.
Law enforcement and first responders assisted immediately, and our thoughts are with the young person who was hurt and their family.
We have completed the reunification process. Wednesday, Sept. 11 will be a non-student day for Northwest High only. Omaha Public Schools communicated throughout the day with staff and families.
Northwest High Principal Kimberly Jackson, Ed.D., shared the following message with staff, students and families:
Dear Northwest High staff, students and families,
Our school is our second home. It is where we learn together and build a community that unites families and spans generations. Northwest students, staff and families are so incredibly dear to me.
I cannot adequately express my gratitude to everyone who responded today. Our students and staff followed the Standard Response Protocol, showing incredible strength and courage. Omaha Police and Omaha Fire rushed to campus and secured our school. District staff and safety teams coordinated our reunification process. Families showed patience and grace through what must have been an agonizing wait to hold their loved one again.
Our hearts are with our young person who was hurt today and their family.
Having completed our reunification process and students at home, evening activities will be canceled. Tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, will be a non-student day at Northwest High. We will welcome students back on Thursday, Sept. 12.
We will have supports available for students and staff. It will take time to process what happened today. It is okay to struggle. To be upset. To be angry. We will be here for one another.
Open communication is important to us. We have shared updates every 30 minutes throughout the afternoon, and this will mark the final communication in that series of updates.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, students and families can call 1-833-980-7233 24/7. Staff may access Employee Assistance Program resources in OneOPS.
Please take care through the time to come. We are here for you.
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OMAHA —Police are actively investigating a shooting that occurred at or near Omaha Northwest High School, according to a social media report from Omaha Police. There is reported to be one victim at this time.
An individual believed to be the suspect in the shooting has been taken into custody. Police will remain in the area for follow up to the investigation and for reunification with parents.
There is no threat to the community.
The school is officially in a hold and will begin moving students to the football stadium for reunification.
Students who ride buses will be transported from campus first.
Once that is complete, students who do not ride the bus each day will be released to families who are on site.
Students who walk or drive themselves to school each day will then be released. This process will take time so please be patient. We understand families want to be with their students as soon as possible.
Check the Post for additional details as they become available.