On Friday, January 30, 2026, Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 closed all D123 schools as part of its emergency response protocols after receiving a threatening message directed at Kolmar Avenue Elementary School. Oak Lawn Police later deemed the threat an unsubstantiated online swatting incident.
Weekend activities have been canceled for January 31 and February 1 and will be rescheduled.
Based on information provided by our law enforcement partners, District 123 school buildings will reopen on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Read the full timeline of communications sent to families, staff, and media partners below.
Feb 1, 2026 - 5:30 PM - Invitation to view our Family Video Briefing for the Return to School Tomorrow - Mon, Feb 2, 2026
District 123 Families,
As we prepare to welcome students and staff back to school on Monday, February 2nd, we would like to invite you to view a remote video briefing that was recorded for District 123 families and staff just a few moments ago.
We understand that Friday’s events were unsettling and as we return to school may be stressful for our students, families and staff. At this point the Oak Lawn Police Department indicates that Friday’s threat has been declared an unsubstantiated online “swatting” incident that originated overseas. “Swatting” is a malicious, false report intended to generate a large law enforcement response and create fear or disruption in a community.
Please know that District 123 responded immediately and confidently by activating our emergency response plan in close coordination with the Oak Lawn and Hometown Police Departments. Our actions reflected the preparation, planning, and care that are in place to protect our students and staff whenever a situation like this arises.
During this virtual briefing, District 123 administrators and school principals reviewed what occurred, outlined the supports that will be in place in our schools tomorrow, and shared how we are working together to restore a strong sense of calm and reassurance for students, families, and staff.
Remote Family Briefing:
VIEW THE VIDEO BRIEFING at link.d123.org/familybriefing
We recognize that members of our community may still have questions or concerns, and this video briefing is an opportunity to hear directly from district leadership about our response, our readiness, and our plans moving forward. Additionally, we invite the community with any additional questions or concerns to send them to us by completing the form linked below:
Question Form:
SUBMIT A QUESTION at link.d123.org/questions
Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support. We look forward to welcoming all of our students back to school tomorrow morning. All District 123 schools will be showing their school pride tomorrow by wearing their Spirit gear, as we return. We encourage you to view this evening’s family briefing and submit any questions using the “Submit a Question” link provided above.
Jan 30, 2026 - 5:00pm
This is a 5:00PM update regarding today’s emergency safety closure. At 7:16 AM this morning, we issued a School Safety Message and closed all District 123 schools for the day out of an abundance of caution and concern for our students, families, and staff.
At 2:15PM we shared additional information from the Oak Lawn Police Department indicating that this morning’s threat has been declared an unsubstantiated online swatting incident. Swatting is a malicious, false report intended to generate a large law enforcement response and create fear or disruption in a community.
Based on information provided by our law enforcement partners, District 123 school buildings will reopen on Monday, February 2, 2026. Before and after care through the FLASH program will be provided as normal.
We recognize that today’s events may feel stressful for students, families, and staff. Please know that we responded with steadiness and great care, immediately activated our emergency response plan, and remained in close coordination with Oak Lawn and Hometown Police throughout the entire day.
As we return to school on Monday, we will also provide additional, visible support for students, staff, and families as we move forward and restore our school system after this disruptive incident. All School District 123 students, families, and staff can expect the following on Monday morning:
- Heightened Police Presence at District 123 Schools
- Additional Student Social Work Support
- Additional Classroom Teacher Partners within classrooms
- Additional Administrative Support at each D123 School
- Staff Social Work and Counseling services from R3 Consulting
- Telehealth support for families through Daybreak
If your child is feeling anxious this weekend, please reassure them that adults are paying very close attention and taking their concerns very seriously. Please also remind them that they can always talk to a trusted adult at school.
Thank you for your partnership today. Today, our school district responded calmly, quickly, and in close coordination with law enforcement. As we move forward from this day, as always, we will continue to keep the safety and security of our students, families, and staff as our highest priority.
Jan 30, 2026 - 2:15pm - School Safety Update - Emergency Message sent to families and staff:
This is a 2:15PM update regarding today’s emergency safety closure. At 7:16 AM this morning, we issued a School Safety Message and closed all District 123 schools for the day out of an abundance of caution and concern for our students, families, and staff.
This closure reflects the district’s preparedness and the immediate activation of our emergency response plan. District leadership and staff are continuing to plan next steps while working closely alongside the Oak Lawn and Hometown Police Department as the investigation remains active. At this time, we have received information from investigators that the threat made this morning has been deemed an unsubstantiated online swatting incident. Swatting is a malicious, false report intended to generate a large law enforcement response and create fear or disruption in a community.
As a reminder, all District 123 schools remain closed today, Friday, January 30, 2026. In addition, all weekend activities and events at district schools are canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
We will provide another update later today regarding next week. Thank you for your continued partnership, patience, and cooperation during this time.
Jan 30, 2026 - 2:15pm
School District 123 has issued an updated official press release which can be viewed here.
Jan 30, 2026 - 9:50am
School District 123 has issued an official press release which can be viewed here.
Jan 30, 2026 - 7:10 AM - Emergency Message sent to families and staff:
This morning, School District 123 received a very serious and threatening message directed at Kolmar School. Out of an extreme abundance of caution, and in close coordination with the Oak Lawn Police Department, all District 123 schools will be closed today, Friday, January 30, 2026.
Due to the timing of this message, this will be an emergency closing day, and we WILL NOT be holding any eLearning today.
The Oak Lawn Police Department is actively investigating, and we are fully supporting their work. For safety, families and students should not come to any school buildings today unless you are specifically directed by the district or law enforcement.
We know this kind of message is upsetting. Our priority is the safety of students and staff, and we will continue to communicate clearly as we learn more. We will send another update later today, even if the investigation is still ongoing.
If you or your child has any information that could help, please contact the Oak Lawn Police Department. If there is an immediate emergency, call 911.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.