Sachem Schools Warn Parents After Stranger Offers Student A Ride

HOLTSVILLE, NY — A man in a white SUV offered a ride to a Sachem High School East student, and district officials are warning parents to remind their kids not to talk to strangers. The student was approached Monday at Holtsville bus stop near Lincoln Street and Fisk Road, Kenneth Graham, the superintendent of Sachem Central School District, told parents in a letter.

Building administrators, district security staff and Suffolk County police were notified. Graham asked parents to use the incident as an opportunity to share safety protocols with their children when it comes to strangers:

• Remind children not to talk to strangers.
• Develop a plan for how to respond to a stranger (where to go, who to call).
• Walk with children to and from bus stops and school whenever possible.
• Have children report similar incidents to a responsible adult (parent, guardian, school official, police officer, etc.) immediately.

"We remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment, and our district administrators and security team will continue to work with our local police departments toward doing so," Graham said. "Your support in talking with your children about these types of situations is greatly appreciated."

Graham asked parents to contact him if they have any additional questions or comments. He can be reached at kgraham@sachem.edu.