School Officials Remind Parents of Student Safety Issues

Following several incidents involving unidentified vehicles following students in surrounding school districts, Half Hollow Hills school officials posted the following community safety alert on the school district website.

Read about this issue in Deer Park on Deer Park-North Babylon Patch.

As you may already be aware, our neighbors at the Commack and Deer Park school districts recently informed their communities of some suspicious activity at various bus stops. Police were notified of these incidents. 

Please be assured that, as always, the Half Hollow Hills School District is taking all steps necessary to ensure the continued safety of our students and staff.  Security Guards at each of our buildings have been briefed on these incidents in surrounding school districts and remain ever vigilant. 

Please take this opportunity to advise your children of the danger in talking to or getting near the cars of strangers. Always contact the police department to report any unusual attempt at contact with your children by strangers. It is always a good idea to review safety guidelines with your children as it is important that you reinforce some of the basics to help keep them safe when they’re not under the direct supervision of an adult.

Below is a list for your consideration:

1. When walking to and from school or in the community, especially at night, walk with a friend whenever possible;
2. Wear white or light colored clothing at night to increase visibility;
3. If your child has a cell phone, make sure it’s charged before he/she leaves the house, and know where your child will be at all times;
4. Remind your children to call 911 in case of any emergency or if an unsafe situation occurs;
5. When children are at home alone, doors should be locked at all times;
6. Talk to your children and offer them advice and guidance on how to handle confrontations. (For example, run from/do not speak to strangers, and other safety-related topics.)