THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2008

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Holmes Takes Threat Seriously

Mt. Prospect police were called to Holmes Jr. High around 2 p.m. Monday after a student reported a threat on a bathroom stall in the girls' restroom shortly before school let out for the day.

"It was poorly etched very small into the painted wall," said Elk Grove Township Elementary School Dist. 59 Supt. Dr. Dan Schweers. "I received a call from Principal Rob Bohanick around 2 p.m., just when school was about to get out."

Schweers said the inscription contained the words "Shootout Apr 15-08" and also referred to the term "EMO."

According to Internet reports, EMO is a term commonly used for individuals into a "punk rock" type of music.

In a phone and email message in English and Spanish issued Monday to parents of students who attend Holmes, Schweers said, "While it is likely that this was nothing more than prank, we live in an age where we must treat such incidents as valid threats."

Schweers went on to say that if any parents felt uncomfortable sending their child to school Tuesday, parents should call the school to report the child absence.

Due to the threats, there was an increased police presence around the school grounds to ensure no other incidents occur.

According to Schweers, approximately 50% of students attended school on Tuesday.

"Mt. Prospect police have been very supportive throughout this incident and we appreciate their willingness to partner with us, and their commitment to the safety of our students," Schweers added in Monday's statement.

Schweers said he personally believes the incident was a prank, in lieu of other recent threats at other schools in the Chicagoland area.

However, he reiterated the point that student safety is the district's "utmost concern."

No one was injured and police continue to investigate the incident.