Appoquinimink Issues New Guidelines For Football Game Attendees In Wake Of Shootings

The ​​​​​​​Appoquinimink School District will limit who will be admitted to their football games.

The new policy is outlined in a letter that was sent to parents.

After serious reflection, the district is making changes to the admissions policy at ASD football games.

​​​​​​​Appoquinimink Families, Staff & Stakeholders:

The District has a proud history of Friday Night Lights. We’re appreciative of the community’s strong support of our football games, but over the past two years have seen an increase in incidents. This trend has impacted not just Appoquinimink or Delaware, but high schools across the nation, as witnessed by recent events in Minnesota, Michigan, and Roxborough High in Philadelphia – a story that is dominating today’s news.

Last Friday was the annual AHS v. MHS football matchup and the stands were full. Around the time the game was dismissing, there was gunfire on Bunker Hill Road east of Choptank Road. Two people were injured – including a minor. Thankfully, no one sustained life-threatening injuries. We’re all understandably upset.

On Monday, ASD safety and security leaders met with high school administrators to review planning, preparation, and response to the threat of violence in and around football games. It will come as no surprise to learn that we already have a trained security presence at games – in fact, last Friday’s matchup included a total of nine ASD and State Police officers. They searched for additional ways to tighten security for our teams, opposing players, musicians, cheer squads, and fans.

The security review revealed proactive steps we can take – effective immediately – to improve our ability to monitor and secure games. We are aware that these changes will require students to adopt new habits and will limit access. But we believe they are advisable and important, and ask for your support.

Admission to Appoquinimink School District football games – EFFECTIVE 9-30-2022

Students
Only those students who attend the participating school may purchase a ticket.
Tickets will be sold at school on Wednesday and Thursday. No tickets will be sold on Fridays.
Students must show student ID or proof of attendance (confirmation will be made through eSchool) when purchasing tickets and at the stadium gate.
These guidelines apply to both home and away teams.

Guests
Each football player, cheerleader and band member is permitted five (5) guests.
Guest tickets must be purchased at the school – in advance – by the game participant.
Tickets will be on sale at the schools Wednesday and Thursday. No tickets will be sold on Fridays.
Each participant must submit the names of the individuals for whom they are purchasing tickets.
Spectators are required to check in at the stadium gate while presenting tickets.
Any minors attending as a guest must remain with an adult during the game at all times.
These guidelines apply to both home and away teams.

Additional game attendance guidelines
Spectators are not permitted to bring bookbags/backpacks/large bags into the stadium.
Spectators are asked to remain seated in the bleachers during the game. Roaming around the stadium is not permitted.
Any minors (middle or elementary school children) attending as a guest must remain with an adult during the game at all times.
We understand and appreciate the mixed feelings these changes may bring. Like you, we regret the need for added security. These are not decisions we wanted to make, but decisions we felt had to be made for the security of our students, staff and supporters. As I’ve said before, student safety is our #1 priority. We will continue to monitor admission guidelines and make adjustments as necessary.

If you are unable to attend a game in person, please remember that all regular season football games are streamed live at no cost. You can visit the school’s athletic website for the links:
AHS: https://www.jaguars-sports.com/
MHS: https://www.cavalierssports.com/
OHS: https://www.odessaducks.com/
Yours sincerely,

Matt Burrows
Superintendent

Shooting incident outside Middletown football game

Middletown Police are currently investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of Bunker Hill Road east of Choptank Road on Friday September 23, 2022.

At approximately 9:15 pm Middletown Police were in the area when they heard shots being fired. Two gunshot victims were located in the area and transported to Christiana
Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Middletown Police Criminal Investigation Unit continues to investigate this case. Police are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to please contact Detective Womer at 302-376-9950 or via email at

[email protected].
Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

Breaking Report

Just before 9:20, Friday night rescue crews from the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, New Castle County Paramedics, Trooper 4, and multiple police agencies responded to Bunker Hill Road in the area of Appoquinimink High School for reports of a shooting.

FSU has learned a 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old female were struck by gunfire at that location. Initial reports are that the male was struck in a lower extremity and the female was seriously injured and airlifted to the trauma center via Trooper 4. Police have not confirmed the injuries or ages of the victims.

The Appoquinimink School District released a statement saying “On Friday evening, an incident occurred off school property, on Bunker Hill Road, with injuries involved. The State Police are investigating and have asked anyone with information to contact the Delaware State Police’s main number.”

A parent commented on the district’s Facebook page saying “It definitely started on school property even if the actual shooting wasn’t on school property. My son was stuck in the stampede when someone yelled that someone had a gun before a potential fight broke out. My son had no choice but to go with the stampede and leave the stadium in a panick.”

Police arriving at the scene found the female in the area of that roundabout that leads into the school complex. Officers also found a crime scene at that location. It’s not clear where the male victim was found by rescue crews.

This is a developing story

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First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at [email protected].

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