Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn briefly shifted into a "Secure and Teach" status Tuesday afternoon after school officials and police received a suspicious call, keeping students in classrooms while officers converged on the campus and checked things out. Neighbors described a heavy police presence near the school around dismissal time, which quickly set parents on edge as word spread.
Timeline And Police Response
Glen Ellyn police announced on X at about 2:20 p.m. that Glenbard West students were under a "Secure and Teach" protocol, according to ABC7 Chicago. Officers were already on scene as the status took effect, and students were released around 2:50 p.m., the station reports.
The timing meant the security measure hit right as the day was supposed to wind down. Eighth period normally ends at about 2:20 p.m., according to Glenbard West's bell schedule, so instead of heading for the exits, students were told to stay put while police handled the call.
What “Secure And Teach” Means
The "Secure and Teach" protocol, sometimes called a soft lockdown, is used when something outside the building could pose a threat, or when first responders need everyone to remain in place while they sort out a situation, according to Community Consolidated School District 15. Under that status, classes continue as usual inside the room, but students are not allowed to leave until officials give the all clear.
History Of Threats At West
Families at Glenbard West have been through this kind of scare before. In May 2023, police evacuated the school after bomb threats and later reported that a student was arrested in connection with one of the incidents, according to CBS Chicago. Those earlier threats led to searches of the campus and temporary road closures while investigators swept the area.
Investigation And How To Help
Glen Ellyn police said they are investigating Tuesday's suspicious call but did not immediately release any further details, according to ABC7 Chicago. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 630-469-1187 or visit the Glen Ellyn Police Department website for more resources.
