Crime & Safety
Bomb Threat Scrawled on Old Quarry Stall—Again
Another bomb threat was reported at Old Quarry Middle School Monday, Dec. 2.
A bomb threat was found written on a stall in a girls bathroom at Old Quarry Middle School Monday, Dec. 2. It's the fourth instance in as many months at Lemont-Bromberek District 113A.
Lemont police responded to a call reporting the threat around 12:30 p.m., said Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy. The school was put on soft lockdown while staff and police investigated. The threat was found to be unsubstantiated.
Classroom sign-out procedures and regular staff bathroom checks implemented after the last threat have helped staff narrow the timeframe in which the threat was written, according to a letter from Assistant Superintendent Mary Gricus. Principal Bill Caron is interviewing any students who signed out to use the bathroom during the timeframe the threat was written.
"It was very similar to the instance from before," Shaughnessy said. "I'm very confident that the detectives will be able to clear up the matter."
Parents are demanding answers after multiple bomb threats and soft lockdowns. Some have started an online petition seeking action from Old Quarry Principal William Caron, interim Superintendent Dr. Pamela Hollich, and the District 113A board. Parents have requested better communication from administration, including notification of such threats.
"It is unacceptable for this to continue," the petition reads. "Action is needed to prevent these threats from continuing and to find and punish those involved in making the threats.
"Our children’s education is being disrupted and their safety compromised."
Assistant Superintendent Gricus noted the administration's concern and efforts to solve the recurring issue.
"We know you share our frustration with the serious disruptions to our students' instructional program and that you will support our efforts by talking to your children about the seriousness of this situation and any threat to the safety and well-being of our students and staff," Gricus wrote.
School security and student discipline has become a hot-button issue in the school community. Soft lockdowns disrupt the school day and distract students from learning, but the school takes every precaution necessary when a threat is discovered. Many parents are demanding disciplinary action for students responsible for the false alarms.
"I commend the schools for taking every threat seriously," wrote parent Robyn Horn. "I have no doubt that they evacuate those students immediately when the time comes for that. However, without finding those responsible, it's going to continue to happen."
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