- November 17, 2024
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The Flagler County School District released the following statement Jan. 30 after a man followed an eighth-grade girl — and possibly assaulted her — as she walked home from Indian Trails Middle School Jan. 29:
Yesterday, Jan. 29, it was reported that one of our students was approached by a stranger on her way home from after-school tutoring.
This brought the immediate response of law enforcement not only road patrol deputies but the canine unit was alerted as well.
The school district and law enforcement worked hand in hand to give this the utmost priority. Additionally, the school district asked for and was granted a heighted law enforcement presence in the area.
Safety is one of our top priorities. To that end we would like to remind you about some ways you can assist your child to be safe walking to and from school.
• If possible, it's always better if your child can walk with a friend.
• Be aware of the route your child walks reminding him/her to cross only at intersections after carefully checking for traffic.
• If you cannot be home to greet the child at the end of the school day, have a check in system so you know he/she has arrived safely.
• No matter what the age of your children, talking or allowing themselves to be approached by strangers is never okay. Role play a few things a stranger might say so the child understands any reason a stranger might give is not acceptable.
• If no buddy system is available, a cell phone is a good alternative. Make sure they know how and what to dial in an emergency.
• Students should be encouraged to report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• It's a good idea to scout out any place along their route that might be a safe haven if they begin to feel uncomfortable on the way home. Perhaps the house of a friend or a trusted neighbor would be a safe alternative.
We want every day to be a safe day for our students. Parents can help by making children mindful of their route home, aware of some danger signs and what to do in an emergency.
