y Linda Delmonico-Prussen
The individual, according to the person who called the school, was
standing behind trees, looking at the school with binoculars. He was
described as male, 6 feet tall, blond hair, balding on top and of medium
build. He was seen leaving the area in a gray car.
Dr. David Feller, North Merrick superintendent, called the First
Precinct immediately and the gate behind the school was locked. Parents of children in the recreation program were notified in a handout.
According to the First Precinct, no one was arrested regarding the
incident. Lt. Allen at Nassau County Police Headquarters said anyone who sees any individuals that appear to be engaged in suspicious activity, regarding this or any other incident, should call 911 and report them.
"Some people are hesitant to call 911," said Allen, noting that they shouldn't be. That emergency number, he said, is not only for life and death emergencies. Allen said dialing 911 is the fastest way to get a patrol car out to investigate what is happening.
We have sufficient staff. We don't mind responding," Allen
said. "I would encourage everybody to tell your children to be observant and report any suspicious activity." Children, he said, should be taught to immediately report suspicious activities or individuals to an adult and an adult should then see that 911 is called.
Superintendent Feller forwarded a list of safety tips for parents:
1. Talk to your children about this topic. Approach the issue in an
age-appropriate manner and use language that your children will understand. This should not be merely a lecture. By engaging in a dialogue, you will be certain that your child understands the importance of this topic and you will also be affording them with an opportunity to ask you questions.
2. Define "stranger" for your child. A simple definition is that a stranger is anyone that you do not know.
3. Tell your child that there is no way to tell from the outside whether a person is good or bad.
4. You need to convey to your child that bad people can do bad things to children use your judgment as to the types of examples that you may provide.
5. Tell your child that when they are alone that it is their job to make sure that they are safe. This means that they should not talk to strangers. Advise them that they should never go with a stranger even if the person says that they are picking them up for their parents. Also tell your children to never take anything from strangers.
6. Advise your child to run away or yell for help if a stranger tries to touch them or get too close to them.
7. Parents should speak to their child's teacher, counselor, or other mental health professional (i.e. school social worker or psychologist) if they need help in how to address this topic with their child.
