The Anchorage School District is sending out this message to inform all parents and other guardians that [Friday] morning there was a reported attempt to abduct a fifth grade student who was walking to school. This follows a similar incident that took place a week ago. The student involved [Friday am] was able to get away and is safe, but it is clear that our entire community must come together to assure that all of our children are safe traveling to and from school. An announcement was made at all schools [Friday] and students should have received a flyer with safety tips to bring home. Please talk with your student about how to stay safe and help ensure that all students get to and from school safely.

Here are some safety tips:  See flyer HERE

Remind children

* Stay with a group.
* Always walk with at least one friend, two or three is even better.
* If a stranger offers you a ride, say “NO!” and stay far away from their car.
* If a stranger follows you on foot, get away from him or her as quickly as you can. You can run and yell loudly, “HELP!”
* If a stranger follows you in a car, turn around and go the other direction.
* Never leave school with a stranger.
* Tell a trusted adult if a stranger is hanging around the school, playground, or public bathroom.
* Leave items and clothing that display your name at home so a stranger cannot read it and use it to talk with you.
* If you arrive home alone, call your mother, father, or other trusted adult to let them know you are home and all right. Keep the door locked, don’t open the door for strangers, and don’t tell strangers that you are home alone.
* Never accept things from a stranger.
* If a stranger asks you a question, don’t talk to them.
* Run away.
* Don’t go anywhere with a stranger.