WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Students encounter exposer, per letter sent to families

For the second time this week, the principals of Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School have sent families a letter about an incident involving students walking near the campuses. Thanks to Denny principal Jeff Clark and several Sealth parents for forwarding it minutes ago:

Dear Denny/Sealth families:

It has been an exciting start to school, and with our scholars’ growing independence – particularly when they are out in the community – there may be situations that challenge their personal safety.

We want to take this opportunity to let you know that we are working with scholars to ensure they maximize their personal safety and their comfort with reporting potentially unsafe behavior. We also want to highlight an incident where students saw an inappropriate and disturbing behavior, and correctly reported it to school staff.

Today, two 11th-grade scholars were returning to Chief Sealth from Westwood Village. They were near the intersection of Cloverdale and 26th Avenue SW when they noticed an adult male exposing himself. The students immediately reported the situation to staff. Administration took immediate action and the Seattle Police Department were notified. We are very proud of how our students responded to this situation and want to encourage all our scholars to report appropriately.

At school, we continue to differentiate “reporting” from “tattle-telling.” Reporting is a responsibility when someone is hurt, in danger or in an unsafe situation. We are providing a link to some additional information that might be helpful during these discussions: http://www.seattle.gov/police/community-policing/youth-safety-tips

Please be assured that the safety and security of our students is a top priority at both Sealth International School and Denny International School. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The letter was signed by Clark and by Sealth principal Aida Fraser-Hammer.

26th SW is the path along which the city still plans walkway improvements, while 25th SW – where students reported being approached inappropriately back on Monday – is the area where they’ve been canceled pending a future development.

4 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Students encounter exposer, per letter sent to families"

  • Just Wondering October 6, 2017 (8:14 pm)

    So the high school does not have a closed campus policy?

    • WSB October 6, 2017 (9:06 pm)

      I can’t find the Sealth handbook but when our son was there a few years ago, it was 9th graders stay on campus, 10th-12th can leave. FWIW, I have found a few other schools’ handbooks, including WSHS, and that’s the policy.

  • Wsrez October 6, 2017 (8:33 pm)

    Sad this has happened again.

  • CED October 6, 2017 (9:59 pm)

    It should be closed campus for all kids. 

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