5:17 PM: Thanks to the Alki Elementary parent who forwarded this note sent to families by the school’s principal Mason Skeffington:
Dear Alki families,
I want to share with you some information on an incident from today that has affected some students in our school community.
This morning at approximately 9:15 a.m., it was reported that a stranger approached the fence line and attempted to lure three students away from the playground while they were playing near the fence at recess. The stranger shared that she had something in her car that she wanted to give the students. Our brave students recognized that this was a stranger, ran from the adult and went to report to our trusted adults on staff. The students were unharmed.
Upon learning of the incident, I immediately alerted our SPS Safety and Security, and they responded immediately with support from the regional support specialist. I contacted SPD, provided the details of the incident, and the investigation is ongoing and a case number has been assigned. I also alerted all staff at Alki and especially those assigned to recess duty. We will continue to remain extra-vigilant in supervision of recess, at arrival and dismissal, and throughout the school day as we move forward.
I’m sending you this letter to assure you that we are doing everything we can to support our students, and to suggest ways you may help your children.
Please know, the safety and well-being of Alki Elementary students is our top priority. You can help your children stay safe by talking to them about personal safety.
Remind your student to always be aware of their surroundings and not talk to strangers or go anywhere with them. If you are looking for guidance and tips, these resources might be helpful:
Scholastic: Talking about stranger safety
Seattle Police Department Personal Safety Tips
SPS Coordinated School Health Mental Health ResourcesWe all play a role in school safety. You can text or call the SPS SaferWatch School Tipline 206-222-4357 to report any threats to SPS schools. This phone number is managed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.
If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 26-292903. We’ll add anything more we find out.
6:51 PM: Here’s the narrative of that police report, provided by SPD:
At 1309 hours, the principal … called 911 to report a suspicious incident that occurred around 0915 hours. He stated some 1st grade students reported an unknown woman had approached the playground’s fence while they were playing. She told the children she had a crown in her car and was trying to get the children to go with her to see it. None of the children went with her but she told the children she would return later. School pick-up was at 1425, so I headed to the school to be present while the children were being released from school.
While being a presence at the school, XXXX approached me and we discussed the incident. He said 3 1st graders had told faculty about the incident and could only describe the female as “grandma age” and in a silver car. I asked if faculty was outside at the time of the incident and he said there were, but none of them saw anything. I asked if there were XXXXX playground and the sidewalk. He said XXXXX.
I told XXXX I would document the incident in case anything further should occur. He said staff was going to be having a meeting about the incident so they are all aware and more vigilant in the future.