Naperville North Evacuated After 2nd Threat In 1 Month: Officials

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville North High School cancelled classes Friday for the second time in a month due to a threat against the school, District 203 officials said in a statement.

The school went on soft lockdown at around 9 a.m. Friday and later announced a staggered release of students. In September, the school was shut down for an entire day while police investigated a bomb threat received via email.

"Very regretfully there has been another threat against NNHS today," Stephanie Posey, assistant superintendent for secondary education, wrote to students at 9:18 a.m. Friday. "My heart is broken to alert you to a soft lockdown of the building with no movement to and from the building. The Naperville Police Department is here with us processing the situation and planning for the safety of all staff and students at North."

After investigating, police began evacuating students in waves beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The school's student newspaper, The North Star, reported the lockdown happened just moments before juniors and seniors were scheduled to attend the annual homecoming assembly.

Friday night is the school's homecoming football game, and Saturday night is the homecoming dance.

School officials have not said whether the events will still occur.

On Sept. 22, classes and activities were cancelled due to a bomb threat that was sent to the school's principal. Naperville police determined there was no threat to the safety of students and staff but the building remained closed for the day.

"I know this is stressful," Posey wrote, "but it is imperative that we maintain calm in the building for the safety and security of the students and staff, allowing the plan to work effectively."

Students will not be allowed to access their lockers while leaving the school. Parents will be notified later when they can come retrieve their items, an official told Patch.