EASTON, Pa. – The principal of Easton Area Middle School responded on Wednesday to a concerning incident where a 6th-grade student encountered a suspicious situation while walking home from the bus stop.
Elise Jones, principal, said she was made aware of a Facebook post from a parent in the community describing the interaction involving their 6th grade child while walking home from the bus stop earlier on Wednesday.
The post describes an older man with white hair, driving a black car, reportedly approaching the student, asking the student if he had lost something from the bus, and suggesting that they check the back seat of his car.
The student refused and came straight home to report the incident to their parent, according to officials.
The parent promptly contacted the local police department, who responded quickly, took a report, and monitored the area during elementary student dismissal, the principal said.
The middle school principal shared the following safety procedures following the incident:
Never Approach or Enter a Stranger’s Vehicle: Parents are strongly encouraged to reinforce that under no circumstance should a child enter or event get near a vehicle belonging to someone they do not know. If approached, they should run immediately to their home or to a nearby area where they know or suspect an adult will be present (such as a neighbor’s house).Use the Power of “NO”: Teach your child that it is always okay to say “NO” loudly and firmly to any adult who makes them feel uncomfortable or tries to get them to go somewhere.Walk Home Safely: Encourage students to walk in pairs or groups whenever possible, remain aware of their surroundings, and go directly home after dismissal.Report Immediately: Remind your child to immediately tell a trusted adult (parent, guardian, teacher, or principal) about any suspicious person, vehicle, or situation, even if they’re unsure whether it’s serious.
School district officials say that the local police department has been alerted and will continue to keep the district informed of any updates.