The Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade and rally on Wednesday was supposed to have been a day of joy and celebration, a unique and high-spirited moment in the life of the Kansas City region.
That was the reason, in part, that all Johnson County school districts canceled classes yesterday, knowing so many children and families were already planning to attend the celebration or watch on TV.
But that elation turned to grief when a shooting at the end of the rally at Union Station left one person dead, 22 others injured and the entire Kansas City metro shaken.
Among the shooting victims are 11 children, authorities say.
That’s now why those same Johnson County school districts are responding with counseling and social-emotional supports as students are expected to make their way back to classes Thursday.
“Today has been hard, but if there is one thing I know, it is that together, we can do hard things,” Shawnee Mission Superintendent Michelle Hubbard said in a message to families emailed Wednesday evening. “We will lean on each other in the days to come, and make sure that support is available for all who need it.”
Counselors at all SMSD buildings Thursday
Hubbard, in her message, said counselors and social workers would be on hand at all the district’s schools Thursday morning and in the following days to help students process Wednesday’s events.
“We know that some of our students will struggle to make sense of what has happened,” Hubbard said in her message.
“We will proceed with a normal day tomorrow because we know that our children often crave the security of routines when times are hard. At the same time, we will be prepared to make adjustments as necessary, so that each student receives the support that they need.”
Blue Valley, Olathe also to make counselors available
These two other districts also released statements Wednesday night, offering condolences to the victims of the shooting and making families aware of supports their children could access at school Thursday and beyond.
“We stand ready to support any students impacted by this violence,” Blue Valley’s message read. “Counselors and support staff are available to help process this trauma.”
Olathe’s message acknowledged children and families who were not at the rally itself may have also been impacted by the events, and can talk it through if need be.
“Regardless of where our community chose to celebrate, what started as a joyful celebration quickly left us all with heavy hearts,” Olathe’s message said. “Just as we are here to support our Olathe family, please join us as we keep the greater Kansas City community and Chiefs Kingdom in our thoughts and prayers.”
Johnson County also offers 24/7 mental health supports
After Wednesday’s shooting, the Johnson County Mental Health Center post to X (formerly Twitter) that “you may experience symptoms of trauma whether or not you attended” the rally.
The center noted that the county’s 24-hour help line can be reached at (913) 268-0156.
You can also simply dial 988 to reach someone who can talk to you, if you feel the need.
As you may be aware, a shooting has taken place at the Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Rally. You may experience symptoms of trauma whether or not you attended, but please know you are not alone.
Call us 24/7 at 913-268-0156 or 988 or text SHARE to 741-741. pic.twitter.com/vo4DtYUIgn
— Johnson County Mental Health Center (@JOCOMNH) February 14, 2024
