Dear Milford and Winton Woods Families, Staff, and Community Members,

Friday nights under the lights are special in our school communities. They are an opportunity to cheer on our student-athletes and come together with friends, families, and neighbors. This Friday at 8 p.m., the Winton Woods Warriors will welcome the Milford Eagles to Winton Woods High School, and we look forward to an evening of spirited competition and community.

We recognize that this week has brought understandable questions and concerns about safety following Tuesday evening’s incident on the Winton Woods North Campus. As superintendents, we want the families of both districts to know that we hear those concerns, take them seriously, and have been working together with our law enforcement partners in preparation for Friday night.

The Forest Park Police Department believes Tuesday evening’s incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the public. An arrest has been made in connection with the incident, and the police investigation continues.

As we prepare for Friday’s game, administrators, athletic departments, and law enforcement partners from both districts are working together with one shared priority: the safety and well-being of everyone in attendance. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased law enforcement and security presence on and around the Winton Woods North Campus before, during, and after the game. Milford’s School Resource Officers will also be present and working alongside law enforcement and security personnel serving the Winton Woods campus.

While our Eagles and Warriors may be rivals on the field, we are neighbors and partners who share the same commitment to our students and our community. We want Friday night to be what high school athletics should be: a safe and welcoming opportunity for students to compete, families to cheer them on, and two communities to enjoy an evening together.

To our Milford families, we look forward to welcoming you to Winton Woods. To our Winton Woods families, thank you for helping us extend the hospitality and Warrior spirit that make these events special. And to everyone attending, thank you for helping us create a positive environment for our students on Friday night.

Sincerely,