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Teller Elementary School

Important Message from Mrs. Bates

10/06/23, 10:11 AM

Dear Teller Families,

I am reaching out to share information about an incident that occurred last weekend in the Congress Park neighborhood on Steele Street between 11th Avenue and 12th Avenue.

On Sunday, October 1st a group of children were playing outside in their front yards. At about 4:00 p.m. a man and woman in a silver van pulled up to the group of children and offered them lemonade. The woman got out of the passenger side and told the children to come around to the back of the van and get in. Thankfully, none of the children got in the van and they ran inside instead. Earlier in the day a drone had flown over the houses. The police believe that the drone was scouting the neighborhood.

The families involved in the incident filed an official police report and are taking precautions to keep their children safe.

At Teller, we teach students about the importance of finding “trusted adults” in and out of school. In addition, we teach students to trust their instincts. Just this week, all Teller students participated in a Safe2Tell assembly.

In addition to the work we are doing at school, I’d like to share some tips on effectively teaching children about this topic at home.

Start Early: Begin teaching your child about “trusted adults” as early as age 3 or 4, and continue reinforcing these lessons as they grow older. Keep the conversations age-appropriate and adjust the level of detail based on their understanding.
Use Simple Language: Explain the concept in simple, clear language that your child can understand. Avoid using fear-based language that might scare them unnecessarily.
Define "Strangers": Help your child understand that a stranger is anyone they do not know well. Make it clear that strangers can look friendly and nice but may not always have good intentions.
Discuss Trusted Adults: Teach your child who the trusted adults in their life are, such as parents, teachers, family friends, and caregivers. Emphasize that they can seek help from these trusted individuals if they ever feel unsafe.
Role-Play Scenarios: Role-play different scenarios with your child, including what to do if a stranger approaches them. Practice how to say "no" firmly and loudly and how to run away to a safe place.
Teach Personal Information: Teach your child their full name, address, and phone number. Ensure they know how to dial 911 in emergencies and explain when it's appropriate to call this number.
Set Boundaries: Discuss personal boundaries with your child. Let them know that it's okay to say "no" to any adult who makes them uncomfortable, even if they know the person.
Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their concerns and experiences. Let them know they won't get in trouble for reporting something that made them feel unsafe.

Remember that teaching children about stranger danger is about empowering them to make safe choices, not about instilling fear. Approach the topic with sensitivity and patience, and adapt your conversations as your child grows and matures.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

Best,

Sabrina Bates, Principal