Students Approached by Man on their Way to School

Aliso Viejo Middle School Principal, Jennifer Smalley, sent an email to parents Friday afternoon alerting them to a "stranger danger" incident at Don Juan Avila Middle School.

Friday morning, Don Juan students reported being approached by a man in a Gray 4-Door car with tinted windows. The students ignored the man and continued their way into school. Police are investigating the situation.

In her email to parents, Smalley included a list of stranger safety reminders to share with your children. The following is an excerpt from McGruff.com:

• Children should not get into a car or go anywhere with any person unless their parents have told them specifically that it’s okay. CUSD students may only ride home with parents or people listed on the emergency card. If you have a carpool, please inform the office to update the emergency card.
• If someone follows your child on foot or in a car, he/she should stay away from him or her. Don’t go near the car or get inside it. Get to a crowded, well-lit place where others can help.
• Don’t go anywhere with a stranger. Don’t respond to anyone they don’t know well even if the person asks for directions, help to look for a lost puppy, or tells them that their mother or father is in trouble and that he or she will take them to their parents.
• If someone tries to take them somewhere, quickly get away from him or her and yell, "This man (woman) is trying to take me away" or "This person is not my father (or mother.)"
• Kids should always use the buddy system. Go with a friend, never alone.
• Children are strong, and they have the right to say NO to someone who tries to take them somewhere, or makes them feel uncomfortable in any way.