Update from District 97
Update on Possible Attempted Child Lurings
There is no new information available about the possible attempted child lurings that were reported in Oak Park and Berwyn during the past few days. The police department is currently investigating these incidents, and has increased its patrols of the school walking routes. We will send you any updated information about this situation as soon it becomes available. In the meantime, you can access the alert we sent via e-mail on Tuesday by clicking here. In addition, below are the safety guidelines that we compiled for our students with the assistance of the police.
  • Always try to walk in groups or with at least one other person.
  • Walk on sidewalks and other open areas rather than alleys that have less visibility.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and any strangers who are nearby.
  • If you have a concern about another person near you, go to a neighbor’s house, find an adult to assist you, or go back to school.
  • Never approach a vehicle unknown to you even if the occupant speaks to you.
  • Yell loudly and run if you feel you are in danger.
  • Be sure to tell your parents if something happens. Parents should contact the police and the school.
New Member of the Board of Education
During its meeting on Tuesday, the District 97 Board of Education unanimously selected Amy Felton to fill the vacancy created by Jennifer Reddy’s resignation on September 30, 2011. Felton will serve the remainder of Reddy’s term, which is set to expire in April 2013. You can read more about Felton’s appointment by clicking here.
Status of the District’s Voicemail System
The replacement equipment has been installed, and the voicemail system is now back online. Thank you again for your patience while we worked to restore service.

Hats Off for Cancer – Student Council Fundraiser

Student Council is raising money for cancer research.  We are sponsoring a “Hats Off for Cancer” day at Irving.  On this day, students who donate $1.00 are allowed to wear a hat at school!  75% of the money will be donated to an organization to help find a cure for cancer.  The other 25% will help fund future Student Council projects. If your child wants to participate, just send them to school with $1.00 and a hat on Tuesday, November 8th!  (FLYER)

What: For $1.00 you can wear a hat to school all day!

When: Tuesday, November 8th

Where: Irving School

Why: To help find a cure for cancer and fund Student council projects!

Irving Book Fair – A Success!!!

Hello Irving community!

The Book Fair results are in!  We have reached our goal and sold over 1,400 books! (1,480 to be exact)

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Book Fair this year – – all of your support will benefit the Irving library and media center; we could not have done it without you!  See you in the spring!

Jane Brock, Talley Hann, Tracy Naber, Gina Sigismondi, Liz Wojcik

Police heighten awareness of possible attempted child lurings 10.25.11

Four recent reports of what may have been attempts to lure juveniles into cars has Oak Park Police urging students, parents, teachers and residents to be alert and call 9-1-1 if they observe any suspicious activity.

Three incidents were reported in Oak Park and one in Berwyn since Friday. While specifics do vary by incident, Police say all shared the common elements of a white, male, in his 40s or 50s, approaching students en route to or from school.

The first incident was reported in Oak Park on Friday. At about 3:10 p.m., the juvenile was walking southbound on Harvey Avenue near Hatch School. The student reported a man sitting in a vehicle attempted to start a conversation about a nearby dog.

Two reports were made on Monday in Oak Park. At about 7:30 a.m., a juvenile reported a car following southbound on Ridgeland Avenue near Longfellow School, then stopping to observe the playground before continuing on. Then at about 8:30 a.m., a juvenile reported that, while walking north in the 800 block of south Oak Park Avenue, a car horn sounded and the driver asked if the juvenile needed a ride.

The Berwyn report was made about 7:15 a.m., Tues., near Lincoln Middle School on 16th St. The juvenile said a man sitting in a parked vehicle asked for his help.

In all four incidents, the students were a safe distance from the vehicles and immediately reported the events to school authorities.

Oak Park Police have stepped up patrols along school walking routes. Anyone with information about these or other incidents is urged to call 708.386.3800 or e-mail police@oak-park.us. Anonymous tips can be made at http://www.oak-park.us/police –– just click on the anonymous crime tip icon.

POLICE BULLETIN