March 22, 2012
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians:
I want to remind our Irving families about critical safety issues for students when they walk to and from school. On March 21, an Irving student was approached by a stranger near the intersection of Austin and Fillmore. The child’s parent contacted the Oak Park Police Department and the school.
Incidents such as this, remind us all of the importance of discussing safety issues with your child(ren). Parents, please take a few minutes to discuss the importance of the safety rules listed below. You may have additional ideas to share with your child that will help him/her to make the right decision should such an emergency arise.
Students:
- Always try to walk in group or with at least one other person.
- Walk on sidewalks and other open areas rather than alleys that have less visibility.
- Be aware of your surroundings and any strangers who are nearby.
- Seek help is you have a concern about another person by going to a house that has a Safe House sticker displayed in the window, going to a neighbor’s house, finding an adult to assist you, or going back to school.
- Never approach a vehicle unknown to you even if the occupant speaks to you.
- Yell loudly and run if you feel you are in danger.
- Be sure to tell your parents if something happens. Parents should contact the police and the school.
Thank you for spending time on this important issue.
Sincerely,
John Hodge, Principal
Irving School PTO 