SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICIALS JOIN FORCES WITH HAZEL CREST MAYOR AND POLICE CHIEF TO BRING ATTENTION TO RASH OF VIOLENT CRIMES AROUND GRADE SCHOOL

 
SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICIALS JOIN FORCES WITH  HAZEL CREST MAYOR AND POLICE CHIEF TO BRING ATTENTION TO RASH OF VIOLENT CRIMES AROUND GRADE SCHOOL

 

DRIVE BY SHOOTING DIRECTED AT GRADE SCHOOL STUDENTS WALKING HOME FROM SCHOOL HAS PARENTS,

 RESIDENTS AND A COMMUNITY CONCERNED

 

GIVEN THE OTHER RECENT CRIMES AROUND SCHOOL GROUNDS, SCHOOL OFFICIALS TO PUBLICLY ANNOUNCE PROTOCOLS AND DIRECTIVES TO ENSURE STUDENT SAFETY TO AND FROM SCHOOL

 

“We want our students more concerned about Algebra, U.S. History and Science—Not their Safety to and from School”

 

Tuesday, January 24th, 2022 @10:00 AM

Jesse White School, 16910 S. Western, Hazel Crest, Illinois

 

(Hazel Crest, Il) Dean Barnett-School President of the Hazel Crest School District 152 ½ and District Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Spells- will be joined by community leaders, residents, Police officials and the Hazel Crest Mayor in publicly cautioning residents to take notice of children walking home from school amid recent reports of gun violence and other criminal acts.

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at approximately 6:20pm. There was a drive-by shooting (No one physically harmed) about 2 blocks from the Jesse White Elementary School in Hazel Crest, Illinois. Unfortunately, the grade school students and school monitors were walking home from a basketball game. A school administrator drove his car and trailed behind students as they made their way home along 170th Street. The students were on the sidewalk parallel to the administrator’s car and were talking to him as he was ushering them to hurry up and quickly get home.

It was then that students noticed a white car driving eastbound towards Western Avenue. The car drove past the administrator’s vehicle but began to slow down once it slightly passed his car. That’s when students noticed a strange car and they began to run. Gun shots were fired in the direction of the young students. The administrator immediately ducked down in his car and waited for about 30 seconds before he lifted his head up. He had realized that he heard gunshots and understood why the children began to run wildly. He drove up to where the other students were and made sure each student had gotten into their homes safely. The administrator’s car was damaged by the bullets although he wasn’t targeted.

On January 12th, a teacher's car was stolen from Jesse White Learning Academy during a volleyball game.

President Barnett and Dr. Spells have issued numerous forms of communication to parents, residents and Hazel Crest officials concerning enhanced safety protocols amid the rash of violence. Some of which include, but are not limited to:


* Sent letters to parents and staff about recent event

* Spoke with Mayor about concerns about student safety

* Requested and received more police protection for students during dismissal.

* Spoke to students and staff about safety concerns.

* Have asked parents to pick up students after games or carpool

* Have asked for Police patrol at the end of all events

* Working to increase additional security/staff.

* Counselors and Social workers to provide support for students

* Scheduled Town Hall meetings for parents

* Newsletters being produced to include safety tips for students


“This is a troubling time for our students. They should be concerned about Algebra, English, or U.S. History. But they are now worried about just making it home safely. We have an obligation to their safety. I am grateful that all of our stakeholders have enhanced their efforts to guarantee travel to school safely. But moreover, return home safely as well.” says President Barnett.


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