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I’ve been mulling this over all day.

The area in which I live has been torn up for some major freeway work. As a result, I am re-routed daily into a not so desirable part of town for a short bit. Within this area is a “Super Video” store – yep, THAT kind of super video store. It appears they are open 24/7 because every time I drive by, I see cars there.

This morning as I made my way through the detour and came upon the store, I noticed a young girl – 10, maybe 12 – riding her bike past the place with her book bag across her back, obviously riding to school. At the corner she had to stop for a traffic light, and as she came to a stop for the light, I noticed a guy exit the store, catch a glimpse of her and then watched him drop dead in his tracks to walk a few steps into the parking lot toward her to follow her every move. It absolutely chilled me the way he was staring her down.

I ended up passing her because of traffic, but turned around to catch back up with her to make sure nothing happened and saw that she had cleared the place and continued on her way.

There are two elementary schools around where she was – one is public; the other parochial. I’m thinking about stopping at both of them and telling the administration that they should recommend kids avoid that side of the street at all costs. She could have taken the road across the street, but because it’s a pretty busy area, my guess is she came from the same side of the street this place is on and didn’t think anything of it.

Do you think they could possibly draft a memo to parents? Or am I completely overacting?

Your thoughts?

AJ's MOM

Sounds like your spidey senses were working. Glad you kept an eye on her.

I would address it with the two schools in the area.

Put your ideas into writing and mail the to the schools or email the principals.

At that point the ball is in their court and hopefully they will do something with it.

My guess is that the inhabitants of the area are more immune to what you see as undesirable because it's their daily reality.

But I would talk to the schools, if nothing else but to relive my mind that I was proactive and protective.

ETA: For years I worked at schools located in the "less desirable" neighborhoods and really became quite immune/blind to what bothered or worried others. At my last school the community surrounding us was actually very protective of our kids (the crazy kids) and the other "regular" kids at the elementary school across the street.

[This message edited by jrc1963 at 4:30 PM, September 11th (Wednesday)]

Schools usually have a suggested route - you should be able to see it on their website if they do, at least around here they do. If you call them you may want to let them know you see these kids going through a hostile area and if it isn't on the suggested routes then the school sending home copies of that would be a good idea.

First off, good job for turning around!
My 13 year old daughter had to outrun a fucking child molesting bastard!

Good for you!

I would call the school. For me, I called the news to make other parents in my area aware!

I would definitely say something to the schools. It can't hurt!

I don't know if all districts do this but here, whenever a student is approached by a stranger or something like that (and they report it), the schools send home a bright red flyer with the details of the incident, like "At 7:30 this morning, a 7th grade girl was approached by a man" and give descriptions of what the perpetrator(s) looked like, any cars involved, the location of the incident, etc. If they do something like this, your reporting the incident would be incredibly helpful.

I'm glad you kept an eye on her. More people need to do stuff like that.

[This message edited by wildbananas at 5:29 PM, September 11th (Wednesday)]

There will be no regrets if you contact the schools with your concern. There may very well be regrets if you don't. JUST DO IT

I would actually call the police in that area and report a "suspicious person".

Years ago, there was a guy in a friend's neighborhood, just sitting in a van. Something about him just creeped out the mothers who were waiting for the school buses.

They called, and the cops came right out. Guy took off as soon as he saw them. You can't be too careful in situation like that.

Re: The schools themselves.....Schools have fairly tight security these days. You'll probably have better luck if you call, rather than stop in. It can be very difficult to get into a school these days, and if you don't have a child attending there, it's likely they won't let you in.

[This message edited by whyohwhyohwhy at 7:15 PM, September 11th (Wednesday)]

Call the police! They can have an officer patrolling the area at that time during school days.

I hate to say this: If he has evil intent, he will be back.

Hugs,
K

Please report it. As a teacher, we greatly appreciate it when community members step up to the plate and let us know about something suspicious that could be harmful to our kids. Our schools can then take steps to inform parents and tighten security if needs be (and that goes for internet activity as well).

Sorry...forgot to update.

I called both schools and they were very thankful that I did.

Scary how each has said they've already warned kids about this place, isn't it?

Both will take action to remind parents and kids to avoid the area by rerouting them to the other side of the bridge or to take a side street that goes around it.

Taking the time to call those schools could have very well saved a child's life.

You rock, ajsmom!!

As a mom.. thank you. Truly. You know what you saw, and you did the right thing.

Thank you, on behalf of the families who've now been given a heads-up on this area.

I was raised in a very rough neighbourhood. I had grown men coming onto me at a very young age. Could not avoid it...the entire area was bad. But I had street smarts at a young age.