Students at New Trier High School’s Winnetka campus were kept in their classrooms for roughly 30 minutes Thursday morning, Sept. 5, due to an incident classified as an emergency, officials said.
Out of an “abundance of caution”, students stayed in their respective classes as authorities safeguarded the building due to the emergency, according to an email co-signed by New Trier District 203 Superintendent Paul Sally and Winnetka Police Chief Brian O’ Connell.
The issue was resolved quickly with the assistance of Winnetka police, the letter noted.
New Trier spokeswoman Nicole Dizon said a weapon was not involved in the incident.
Officials did not specify the events that led to the precautions.
“We appreciate the cooperation of students and staff during this situation,” Sally and O’ Connell wrote. “Due to privacy concerns, we cannot disclose additional information, but we can assure all families and students that our campuses are safe and secure. It was clearly identified during the hold that at no time were any students or staff in danger.”
Winnetka Police reported in a separate message that officers responded to an incident at the school but all parties were safe and accounted for and there was no threat to the community. Deputy Police Chief Dylan Majcher referred all other questions to New Trier.
Dizon described the approximate 30 minute incident as a “hold” instead of a lockdown.
A letter from Sally to families outlined five status levels for safety:
- HOLD: Keeps hallways clear and students in classrooms or areas so authorities can more easily access and respond to an individual situation safely and confidentially. Classes can continue instruction or activities during a hold. Students in a free period may be directed to a different area to keep the hallways clear.
- SECURE: Keeps students inside our buildings and visitors outside because of a threat in the area but not at the school itself. Students can continue to move inside the building.
- LOCKDOWN: Directs students to run or hide from a source of danger in the building. Safety doors automatically close and lock, a recorded message and alarm sounds in the building, and staff secure their classrooms or spaces.
- EVACUATE: Directs students to exit the building because of a hazard in the building, such as a fire.
- SHELTER: Directs students to shelter in a safe area away from windows or open areas because of a hazard outside the building, such as a tornado.
The letter also said the school planned to hold a Safety Day on Weds., Sept. 11, when students would watch a safety video and review general safety protocols during adviser room. During each class period, teachers and staff were to review classroom signage and emergency procedures for that particular classroom, the letter added.
Sophomores through seniors attend New Trier’s Winnetka campus located at 385 Winnetka Avenue. Freshman take classes at 7 Happ Road in Northfield.
