Weekly Update
December 13, 2023
In recent weeks, hoax bomb threat emails have been an issue for schools and school districts throughout the country. The hoax email claims to be from a Russian terror group. The message threatens to blow up schools due to the support the U.S. has given to Ukraine.
Today, District 204 was the target of a similar hoax email at Hill Middle School. We immediately contacted our law enforcement partners and they have indicated the email fits the pattern of other non-credible threats that have occurred in other school districts. We wanted to make you aware of the situation in the event that this happens in our schools again.
As hoax threats continue to occur throughout the country, and are now happening within our local community, we are asking parents to continue the practice of not sharing false information on social media. Rather, please inform the school so that we may work with the appropriate law enforcement agency. We will make you aware if an incident occurs in your child’s school. And, once a determination of credibility has been made, we will communicate with the affected school community immediately.
Currently no other hoax emails have been received at District 204 schools. We appreciate the prompt work of our local police departments to ensure our schools remain safe. Please know that your child’s safety is our top priority, and we can increase our ability to protect all members of the school community with clear, accurate information.
Parent University: Social Media Awareness and Internet Safety will premiere as a video presentation on the District’s YouTube channel on Wednesday, December 20 at 7 PM. District 204’s Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Ron Wilke, will lead a discussion around current social media trends and how parents can talk to their children about internet safety. Viewers will hear from a District 204 principal, psychologist, school resource officers, and a Naperville Police Department detective as they share their perspective on this important topic.
District 204 follows a plan whenever there is consideration of holding an e-learning day or canceling school due to weather conditions. If the district holds an e-learning day or cancels school completely, the information will be announced by 6 am on www.ipsd.org. The district will also make a 204 Connect phone call by 6 AM to alert parents and guardians of the information. Parents and students can also check the Emergency Closing Center for school closings. For more information, visit the district’s e-Learning webpage.
Give the gift of thanks this holiday season to that special teacher or staff member that has gone ‘above and beyond’ for your student through the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation’s Gifts of Gratitude program. By making a tax-deductible donation to IPEF on behalf of your honoree, your recipient will receive a personalized certificate and a letter with a custom message from you. All donations benefit IPEF’s Teacher Innovation Grants program. ENDS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 and will be delivered prior to Winter Break. Visit Gifts of Gratitude for more details.
Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres invites the community to chat with him and other members of the Naperville Police Department on Thursday, December 14. This informal meet-and-greet is part of the Naperville Police Department’s Chat with the Chief series and will be held from 9:30 to 11 AM at Nature’s Best Café located at 1904 Brookdale Road, Suite 104, in Naperville. For more information, visit Chat with the Chief.
We all play a role in keeping our communities safe. It’s easy to be distracted during our daily routines, but if you see something that doesn’t seem quite right, say something. If you observe something in your neighborhood or school community that doesn’t feel right, you should contact your local law enforcement agency and/or contact the school’s main office. Refrain from sharing suspicious activities on social media and allow law enforcement to properly investigate each situation.
The next regular Board of Education meeting is at 7 PM on Monday, December 18, 2023 at the Crouse Education Center, 780 Shoreline Drive, Aurora. Meeting agendas and documents will be available online prior to the meeting. Video of the regular meeting can be streamed live or viewed the following day at the District’s YouTube channel.
