Please refer to the following information when talking to your children about the need to be aware of their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity to you and/or a school authority.

• First and foremost, if you observe a suspicious person, vehicle or circumstance, either around school or in the area, call the police immediately (911).
• It is also important that discussions take place between parents and children about how to handle suspicious incidents.
• If someone tries to get a child to go with them, the child's best defense is to yell "This is not my father/mother!" and run away.
• If someone is following a child in a car or is walking very close, teach your child to stay away from them, and run to the nearest house (preferably where someone they know is home) to ask for help.
• Do not talk to strangers or go near their car - even if they seem nice and say they have candy or a toy in the car.
• Do not help strangers find their dog or cat or anything. Adults do not need children's help.
• Always tell a parent or whoever is in charge at home where they are going and do not leave that location without getting an OK from parents or teachers at school.
• If someone tells your child "Don't tell," assure the child she or he should definitely report the incident to a trusted adult.