March 1, 2018
On Thursday, February 22nd at approximately 7:30 am administration received a credible tip that a student may be bringing a gun to school on one of our busses. The administration immediately began implementing our emergency response protocols including securing our students, staff, and facilities and contacting law enforcement. Fredonia Elementary School instituted a Lock-out and Fredonia High School instituted a Lock-Down as directed by the Kane County Sheriff’s Dispatch. These are two different protocols that we practice with our students on a regular basis. The high school transitioned to Lock-out so that students could move to the gym and eat breakfast.
At approximately 7:40 am all school busses still in route to our schools were stopped before arriving at our campus. Law Enforcement officers from six different agencies responded to our call and were arriving as the busses were stopping on Hortt Street. We would like to express our gratitude for the individual officers that responded immediately and effectively in our time of need. The officers followed their protocols and training in securing the bus that was suspected of having a weapon on board. Fredonia Town Marshals took the lead in this process. We appreciate their continued efforts in training and coordinating with school administration to be prepared for emergencies.
After a thorough search of the bus and the students on board, no gun was found. Bus students were then directed and allowed to enter the schools. Law Enforcement then began an immediate investigation into the potential threat to Fredonia High School. A thorough search of the school classrooms, lockers, and students continued at the high school. No guns were found at the school.
At approximately 8:25 am our automated parent contact system was utilized to send out a message that the school had received a threat, that all students were safe and secure, and that there was no need for parents to respond or come to the school. During our own investigation, we have found that our system did not contact every number in our system as we have programmed it to. We sincerely apologize if any parents/guardians did not receive this message. We are looking into the possible causes of this malfunction so that it can be corrected in the future.
Throughout the day on February 22nd each classroom was visited by the Principal. Mr. Waite and Mr. Wright explained the facts of what had occurred that morning. Mr. Wright attempted to personally contact the parents of each of the individual students that were on the bus that law enforcement boarded and searched. These parents were given facts about the events of that morning. Parents were asked to call with any concerns or questions after talking to their students after school.
A safe learning environment is our primary concern. We are taking this situation very seriously. Fredonia Town Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the alleged threat. We will encourage prosecution if appropriate. If anyone has information related to this investigation please contact the Marshal’s Office.
It is important for everyone to use caution in reacting to rumors about this situation. Due to laws regarding the confidentiality of student records, we cannot make any statements about any students involved in the investigation. We want to encourage all families to regularly take inventory and check the security of firearms in their homes. Please educate your children on what to do if they find a firearm. We also encourage parents to talk to all children of all ages about the importance of sharing information. If anyone ever sees something or hears something that would endanger our students, SAY SOMETHING.