Updated 8/23/23 3 p.m.
The Parkway School District released this statement:
Dear Parents and Staff,
We want to update you on the Code Yellow incident this afternoon at Parkway West High, Parkway West Middle and Parkway Early Childhood Center. The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.
The Code Yellow was in response to a threatening call forwarded to local police. The caller threatened to bring weapons and explosives to the West High and West Middle campuses. Police immediately responded and thoroughly investigated.
Upon completion of the investigation, it was determined the threat was unfounded.
Out of an abundance of caution, West Middle, West High, and the neighboring Parkway Early Childhood Center were placed in a Code Yellow/Shelter in Place throughout the investigation. Parents and community members were asked to avoid the area until the investigation was complete.
During a Code Yellow/Shelter-in-place, students and staff must remain inside the building but continue with normal teaching, learning and school day activities.
During the investigation, Chesterfield police detained an individual nearby who was determined to be a West High parent.
We understand that any potential threat and change in activities can be unsettling for students and staff. We thank everyone who did an outstanding job of taking this situation seriously, acting swiftly and according to our procedures, and keeping learning for students as normal as possible during this time. We appreciate the quick and thorough response from law enforcement officials.
Thank you for your understanding and the trust you place in us to keep our schools and community safe. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Dr. Keith Marty
Superintendent
Parkway Schools
The original story:
Parkway West High School is under a "code yellow" alert, meaning all students and staff are being instructed to shelter in place.
The move was made "out of an abundance of caution," a Parkway Schools official tells KMOX, without specifying the nature of the safety concern. Local police are on the scene and cooperating with staff.
The alert also includes the Parkway Early Childhood Center and nearby Parkway West Middle School, although the Early Childhood Center was already set to dismiss students at 1 p.m.
The district is asking parents not to come to any of the campuses for now.
Here is the district's communication to parents:
"Code yellow update: West High and West Middle remain in a Code Yellow/Shelter in Place as a precaution. Please avoid the areas at this time. Police are on scene and investigating as a precaution.
In cooperation with the police, and out of an abundance of caution, students and staff will remain inside the building until further notice and no visitors will be allowed.
We will provide an update as soon as possible, or when the All Clear (Code Green) has been given."
