Dundee-Crown High School in Chicago’s northwestern suburbs was closed for hours during back-to-school time on Wednesday.
Officials said the closure was due to a phone call received at the school’s main office that “made a threat against our school.”
“Upon receiving the phone call, the school contacted police and closed the school,” an alert on the school’s website read.
District 300 Superintendent Susan Harkin said in an initial notice that the closure was issued by administrators “as a precautionary measure” and that “all students and staff are safe.” Harkin said no students or staff were allowed in or out of the Carpentersville building.
“Walkers, cyclists, and families dropping students off at Dundee-Crown this morning are advised to wait for instructions from building administration until we communicate that the lockdown has been lifted,” the district alerts. website read. “Students using bus transportation will be required to remain on the bus until lockdown is lifted.”
A district spokesperson said the incident did not involve an active shooter and the students got a late start Wednesday.
In an update shortly after 10 a.m., Harkin said an investigation between the district and authorities was underway.
“Please know that no incident has occurred inside or outside the building. All students and staff are safe and under district and building supervision,” the update read. “The confinement was established as a precautionary measure.”
The lockdown was lifted shortly after 12:00 p.m.
“Students and staff are safe and have been ordered back inside the building,” the update states. “For the remainder of the day, Dundee-Crown will remain open in a shelter-in-place. Students will remain in the field house, cafeteria or gym during this time. Support services will be provided to any student who may need them.”
For parents wishing to pick up their children, the school issued the following reunification guidance:
- Enter the school area through the youth parkingwhich is next to the entrance to the tennis court.
- The central entrance to the parking lot will be blocked.
- From the tennis court area you will pick up your student then exit via the south exit turning right onto Kings Road only.
- Please bring your ID when you come to pick up your student.
“”Due to the nature of the lockdown, some students may be upset and want to talk to you about tonight’s event. Resources, including counseling support, will be available to students who may need them today and throughout the remainder of the week,” the school said.
Please check back for more information on this developing story.