'Loud Sound' Prompts Lockdown of D113A Schools

Original post: 12:30 p.m.

A ’loud’ sound heard near River Valley and Oakwood schools sparked concern among teachers and led to a lockdown of all District 113A schools Thursday.

The sound was heard shortly before 11:30 a.m. Lemont police were called to the campus, and River Valley, Oakwood and Old Quarry schools were put on lockdown, according to a notice sent to parents.

“After the police department’s initial check of the schools, we do not believe there is any danger to students and staff,” Superintendent Dr. Courtney Orzel said in the notice. “However, as a precautionary measure, the police will stay on the campus to check every room before we release the students and staff from lockdown. We will also follow the guidance of the police department regarding the lifting of the lockdown at Old Quarry.”

The lockdown was lifted around 1 p.m.

“We are happy to report that there was never any danger to our schools; however, we will always err on the side of caution when it comes to the safety of our students and staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Courtney Orzel in a notice to parents.

“Throughout the lockdown situation, our staff and students were safe. They carefully carried out the safety response procedures that they have learned and practiced during the school year.”

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