Fire Leads to Temporary Closure of Arrowhead Middle School in Kansas City

Smoke rising from a school building with caution tape.

Fire Causes Temporary Closure of Arrowhead Middle School in Kansas City

Kansas City, Kansas – Arrowhead Middle School has been temporarily closed following a fire that occurred over the weekend. The Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools (KCKPS) announced on Sunday that in-person classes will not be held on Monday, November 18, and Friday, November 22. Instead, students will attend classes at an alternative location from Tuesday to Thursday of this week.

When and Where Details

The district confirmed that classes during the weekday will be relocated to Homefield Kansas City, found at 9520 State Ave. This alternative site was chosen to ensure that students have a safe learning environment while school maintenance teams work to repair the damage caused by the fire. The closure allows for comprehensive cleaning and removal of smoke and soot from the premises.

Who is Affected

All students of Arrowhead Middle School will be impacted by this temporary closure. On November 18 and 22, these days will serve as transition days for school personnel as they move between the school and Homefield. For the reallocation of students, KCKPS has outlined specific instructions for those who rely on school transportation.

Transportation Arrangements

Bus riders will be taken directly to Homefield from Arrowhead. Meanwhile, students who usually walk or are driven to school must arrive at Arrowhead at their regular times to board buses heading to the new location. Despite the change, meals will still be provided, including breakfast and lunch, at Homefield.

Cautions and Recommendations for Students

District officials have recommended that students wear tennis shoes during this week because classes will be held on a basketball court surface at the alternative site. This ensures safety and comfort as students transition to the new location.

Investigation Findings

According to KCKPS, fire investigators have determined that the cause of the fire was a mechanical failure within the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The incident is believed to have originated in ductwork, potentially triggered by an electrical problem. The maintenance team is currently working diligently to address these issues before students return to the building.

Next Steps

Moving forward, the district has vowed to keep the community updated about the status of Arrowhead Middle School and any further developments regarding the fire. They have reached out to local fire authorities for more information, and updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Conclusion

In light of this incident, KCKPS emphasizes the importance of maintaining the safety and well-being of students and staff alike. This temporary shutdown serves to ensure that the school environment is restored to a condition that is safe for school activities when operations resume.