On Dec. 10, 2025, an intruder was spotted by a custodial member at Downers Grove North High School. After notification of the Downers Grove Police Department, the intruder fled the building, where it was later found that he had entered through an unlocked window on the first floor of the building.
The break-in came as a shock to both students and staff, and raised concerns surrounding the overall safety and security of the building.
Downers Grove North Principal Courtney DeMent explains the immediate response and actions taken following the discovery.
“DGN team members worked throughout the early hours before student arrival to sweep the building and ensure that all of our building spaces were unoccupied and secured. They verified that all spaces were clear so that we could proceed with normal operations,” DeMent said.
The night served as a reminder to the entirety of District 99 of the importance of building safety. Existing protocols, such as keeping doors locked and not letting adults in the building without district-issued orange lanyards, were proven to be successful.
“We also issued a follow-up communication after the intruder had been arrested, and how the incident is a critical reminder that it is the responsibility of every person on our team to ensure that our buildings are locked and secured at all times,” DeMent said.
As news spread across Downers Grove, the DGS community was forced to consider its own security.
Principal Arwyn Lyp reflects on the moments following news of the break-in from the DGS standpoint.
“I know that we live in a world where anything can happen, but whenever things happen in our own buildings, it just gives you pause. And I was just shocked and surprised. I also was very impressed with the swift handling of the Downers Grove North administration and the Downers Grove Police Department,” Lyp said.
With numerous policies surrounding student safety being added within the school year, the break-in reminded DGS of the importance of the safety protocols and the purpose they provide to the school community.
“We commit every day to following our safety protocols that we have. So the safety protocols that we’ve put in place, we’ve worked really hard and really collaboratively with a team, and we follow national best practice recommendations… it’s the constant review of our safety protocols and making sure we’re up to speed with best practice, and then also ensuring that we’re practicing and enforcing those on a daily basis and never being complacent about them,” Lyp said.
Security has been at the forefront of the administration’s concerns for numerous years, and Lyp highlights the role students and staff alike play in school security.
“We believe the protocols we have work, but safety is everyone’s job, so we all have to follow them,” Lyp said.
