March 30, 2011
Just over two months following a set of similar incidents, the superintendent of Lansing Central School District has sent a letter to parents alerting them to a "suspicious person" who's been seen in the area. A letter posted on the district web site, sent to students' homes, and sent out via the district's alert system warns that "a middle-aged caucasian man with grayish black hair" drove past two middle-school-aged girls on Tuesday afternoon.
The man drove a recent-model silver Nissan car at least twice past the girls, who were sitting on a rock waiting for a younger sibling to be dropped off by an elementary school bus. Incidents in late January involved "a man in his late forties, with dark hair, driving a white, older model pickup truck."
The man, who stared at the girls as he drove past, drove off as the school bus arrived, and did not return. Yesterday's incident occurred in the Ludlowville area.
Dr. Grimm's letter says the situation provides an opportunity for parents and children "to talk about personal safety in general and the importance of looking out for the safety of others as well."
The letter urges parents with additional information or concerns about the incidents to contact the school district or the Tompkins County Sheriff's Department.
Tonight happens to be the third installment of Lansing Central School District's "Parent University" seminar series, offering parents information about cybersafety and helping kids navigate the online world. All school and community members are welcome to attend the session, scheduled for 7pm in the Lansing Middle School auditorium.
