Dear District 41 Families and community members,

This letter is coming to you jointly from Glen Ellyn School District 41 and the Glen Ellyn Police Department. We want to address the recent reported episode of a suspicious approach to a child to let you know the facts, and to assure you that we are working together to protect and provide the safest environment possible for the children in our community.

At about 8:00 PM on Wednesday, August 23rd, a green minivan heading east on Hill Avenue at Newton Avenue (in the Abraham Lincoln School area) turned around and approached a child who was walking alone along the sidewalk adjacent to Hill Avenue. The driver, a male estimated to be in his mid-twenties, stopped and offered (by yelling from the van) candy to the child. The child said no, and walked away from the van. At no time did the driver leave the vehicle or engage the child in further conversation. Police have been investigating the report and have increased neighborhood patrols.

There has been one other report of a suspicious incident as well as a number of rumors that have come to the attention of school officials and the Police. The Police are investigating all of these, but at this time, it is believed that the incident noted above may be the only credible incident reported. District 41 and the Glen Ellyn Police Department will continue to work together to make you aware of such incidents in a timely manner and to keep families informed whenever there is any suspected or actual incident that may affect the safety of our children. All District 41 staff members have been informed of the incident and, as always, are vigilant when supervising children before and after school, and are aware of the need to be alert for strangers near school.

Please take this opportunity to talk to your child about stranger danger. Even teens need to be reminded about safe practices. The TASK strategy is a good one to follow: Talk with your child about strangers and safety, and about specific ploys that may be used by strangers. Ask them what they heard you say, so you can correct any misunderstandings. Show them how to walk safely and how to safely ask for help. Make sure they Know who, when, and how to get help. Anytime you or your child sees or is aware of suspicious behavior, call 911 without hesitation.

If you have any questions or information regarding this investigation, please call the Glen Ellyn Police Department at 469-1187.

Sincerely,
Ann Riebock, Superintendent
Bill Holmer, Deputy Chief, Glen Ellyn Police Department