Safety Information for Parents and Guardians

 

Many of you have heard that a suspicious incident involving a child being approached by an adult in a car was reported to the Amherst Police yesterday afternoon. Superintendent Maria Geryk is in communication with the Amherst Police Department; however, at this time we do not have any further information. 

 

Understandably, this kind of incident can be alarming to families. We want to assure parents and the community that we will continue to closely supervise students in school. District staff is also reviewing safety information with students in a way that is consistent with the curriculum and developmentally appropriate.  In addition to the information children receive in school, it is important for parents and guardians to also discuss safety with their children. As a resource to aid in that discussion, this letter includes talking points that can be used to initiate and inform conversations about safety issues. 

 

School staff is available to support students and families as needed. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s safety or need additional help in learning how to talk with him or her about these issues, please contact your child’s school. School counselors, teachers and administrators are happy to help.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Maria Geryk

Interim Superintendent of Schools

 

Links to safety information from The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (first link is English version; second link is Spanish version):