We wanted to make you aware of incidents that have occurred in our community this week that the Albany Police Department is investigating.
On Monday afternoon, a City School District of Albany middle school student reported being forcibly touched by an unknown man in the Pine Hills neighborhood. A day later, police arrested a man from Red Hook in connection with four other similar incidents that also happened in the Pine Hills neighborhood Monday.
In a separate incident in Arbor Hill on Tuesday afternoon, a person assaulted a district high school student while the student was waiting at a bus stop. Police continue to investigate this incident.
The safety of all of our students is a top priority throughout the district. As the weather warms and we all are spending more time outside, we ask parents and guardians to review the following safety tips with the entire family.
These tips are intended to keep students safe anytime they are out in the community without adult supervision.
- NEVER WALK ALONE – Walk with a family member, an older student or with a group of students.
- DO NOT TALK TO STRANGERS – If approached by a stranger RUN immediately to the nearest store or crossing guard and tell an adult about it.
- COME TO SCHOOL ON TIME – Sometimes being late is unavoidable. Parents and guardians, on those occasions please escort your children into the building and be certain of their safe arrival.
- WALK AGAINST TRAFFIC SO YOU CANNOT BE FOLLOWED – It takes time for a driver to turn around and it will give you a head start.
- SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT! – If you have had something happen to you, have had an experience or seen something that made you feel uncomfortable or scared, or if you have information, tell your parents or school officials immediately.
Thank you for your attention to these important safety reminders. Your partnership is a critical component in our safety efforts.
Sincerely,
John Yagielski
Interim Superintendent
