The following was sent out by Tim Reece, Principal of Niguel Hills Middle School, at approximately 11:10 AM. Given the proximity of Crown Valley Elementary to the reported incident, the staff will maintain a heightened vigilance of the surrounding community. However, please understand that no Crown Valley students were involved.
REPORT OF INCIDENT THIS MORNING
One of our students reported to the principal today that he had been approached by a man in a vehicle while waiting at the bus stop this morning. He took the appropriate actions by running to his grandmother, who was waiting in her car across the street. The family reported the incident to police, and an officer met with them and the principal at the school. The Orange County Sheriffs Department is now investigating the incident.
As a result, we decided it best to share some basic reminders about stranger danger with you. We have included some information for you to share with your child when he/she comes home. It is important to periodically remind your child about safe practices on the way to and from school. It would be helpful if our parent community could reinforce this important message with their children. The following information is excerpted from a child safety website at WWW.McGruff.com:
There are a number of basic safety rules kids can follow that will increase their awareness and lessen their chance of being harmed.
• Children should not get into a car or go anywhere with any person unless their parents have told them specifically that it’s okay. CUSD students may only ride home with parents or people listed on the emergency card. If you have a carpool, please inform the office to update the emergency card.
• If someone follows your child on foot or in a car, he/she should stay away from him or her. Don’t go near the car or get inside it. Get to a crowded, well-lit place where others can help.
• Don’t go anywhere with a stranger. Don’t respond to anyone they don’t know well even if the person asks for directions, help to look for a lost puppy, or tells them that their mother or father is in trouble and that he or she will take them to their parents.
• If someone tries to take them somewhere, quickly get away from him or her and yell: This man (woman) is trying to take me away or This person is not my father (or mother).
• Kids should always use the buddy system. Go with a friend, never alone.
Children are strong, and they have the right to say NO to someone who tries to take them somewhere, or makes them feel uncomfortable in any way.
Anthony Bogle
Principal
Crown Valley Elementary School
