Threat sparks hours-long lockdown at Dundee-Crown High School: District

Dundee-Crown High School in Chicago's northwest suburbs was placed under a lockdown status for hours during school drop-off Wednesday.

Officials said the lockdown sparked from a phone call that was received by the school's front office which "made a threat against our school."

"Upon receiving the phone call, the school contacted law enforcement and placed the school in lockdown," an alert from the school's website stated.

District 300 Supt. Susan Harkin said in an initial notice that the lockdown was issued by administrators "as a precautionary measure" and "all students and staff are safe." Harkin said no students or staff were being allowed to enter or exit the Carpentersville building.

"Walkers, bike riders and families dropping off students at Dundee-Crown this morning are advised to await the direction of the building administration until we communicate that the lockdown has been lifted," an alert on the district's website read. "Students who take bus transportation must remain in their bus until the lockdown has been called off."

A district spokesperson said the incident did not involve an active shooter and students were under a late start Wednesday.

In an update just after 10 a.m., Harkin said an investigation between the district and law enforcement was underway.

"Please know, there is no incident occurring inside or outside the building. All students and staff are safe and under district and building supervision," the update stated. "The lockdown was instituted as a precautionary measure."

The lockdown was lifted just after 12 p.m.

"Students and staff are safe and have been directed to return inside of the building," the update stated. "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 looking to pick up their child, the school issued the following reunification guidance:

• Enter the school area by the junior parking lot, which is by the tennis court entrance.
• The middle entrance of the parking lot will be blocked off.
• From the tennis court area, you will pick up your student and then exit via the south exit by making a right turn only onto Kings road.
• Please bring your ID with you when you come to pick up your student.

""Due to the nature of the lockdown, some students may be upset and want to speak with you about the event this evening. Resources, including counseling support, will be available to students who may need them today and through the remainder of the week," the school said.

Check back for more on this developing story.