Martin receives increased law enforcement

HUNTLEY — Huntley District 158 administrators worked with Lake in the Hills Police Department and increased security following two Hold in Place Teach lockdown situations at Martin Elementary  School. The Friday lockdown took place lasted from 9:40 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

The incidents took place March 9 and 10. According to school officials, graffiti which indicated there was a weapon in the school was found at two different student restrooms. Police determined there was no threat to students or staff safety.

Huntley District 158 spokesman Alex LeMoine gave a summary of the events at the Lake in the Hills school.

“During the lockdown, students remained safely in their classroom and families were provided multiple upgrades regarding the progress of the investigation through the District’s mass notification system. Martin families were also provided with an update from Superintendent Dr. Scott Rowe and Martin Elementary School Principal Michele Happok regarding the building’s response and safety plan going forward,” LeMoine said.

The message was sent to families via e-mail and may be viewed at huntley158.org/martin/2023/03/10martin-elementary-safety-update-response-plan.

District administrators repeated a message sent in early February about school safety conversations.

“We ask that you (parents and guardians) please have a conversation with your students about what is appropriate at school and remind them to always reach out to a trusted adult in the building if they need support or see anything that poses a potential safety concern. We have a wide range of supports throughout the building and across the district, and our staff will be talking with our students about the proper ways to reach out for help if they need it,” Rowe wrote.