McCracken Middle School closed Thursday as police investigate Instagram threats

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) -- For a second day, anonymous threats posted on Instagram kept Oliver McCracken Middle School closed. Officials have not yet decided whether they will close the school for a third day on Friday, though it seems likely.

According to district website, all lockers have been checked and no inappropriate items were found.

In a letter sent home to parents on Tuesday, the school said it is continuing to work with Skokie Police to investigate the threats. The letter read, in part, "Some of our McCracken students are following anonymous users and/or allowing anonymous users to access their Instagram accounts. Safety is our first priority and we encourage you to monitor your child's internet activity (including all digital devices) closely."

School officials continue to cooperate with Skokie police in the investigation of threatening comments posted on the Instagram accounts of several sixth graders. Police are now working with the FBI to address the threatening posts.

Authorities have not released any specific information about what was posted.

"The school board and the administration are handling the situation very well," says Greg Schneider, whose children attend McCracken. "There are obviously some issues involved, and some security issues and whatnot, and I place a lot of faith and trust in what they're deciding."

According to the Skokie School District 73.5's website, focused advisory sessions are planned to teach students about how to correctly and carefully use social media, as well as how to stay out of danger on the internet. There is currently no date given for when those sessions will take place.

Additionally, the middle school dance for originally scheduled for Friday night postponed until further notice.