Dear Parents and Friends of Hopewell City Public Schools:
The purpose of this correspondence is to inform you of two recent incidents where middle school aged children were confronted at their bus stops by adults attempting to lure them into a vehicle. According to an active investigation by our partners in the Hopewell City Police Department, during the last week, adults drove by two bus stops and engaged two individual students in discussions suggesting students should get in the car with them. We are so proud of our students who did not follow the directions of these strangers and were not in any way harmed. It is our understanding from HCPD that these incidents appear unrelated, but certainly concerning to all of us invested in the safety of our children. Please discuss these risks with you children. We will increase discussions around safety in our schools as well. We are cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation and will keep you posted as it develops. We are grateful to the HCPD for their increased patrol presence in both surrounding areas and all they do to keep us safe in our City.
Melody Hackney, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools