Commack schools warns parents of driver

The Commack school district has sent out a warning to parents about an SUV driver who recently approached three girls in front of a home.

The Monday letter, from superintendent Donald James, told parents that an "older" man in a blue Pathfinder with a gray stripe pulled up to a home on Bluegrass Lane and said to the girls: "I have something for you." When the girls went inside to alert a parent, they heard him say "You'll never know," the letter said.

The school district was notified Sunday that a report had been filed with Suffolk police, James said.

The incident occurred Friday while a 10-year-old girl and two friends played outside, police said. The incident was investigated and then closed as a noncriminal case, police said.

Extra security staff have been assigned to each school, the superintendent wrote, and school staff will be reminded of security policies, including keeping exterior doors shut.

James advised parents to talk to their children about strangers and listed six security measures, including ensuring children's cellphones are charged before they leave home and offering advice on handling confrontations.

"While you may get an "I know all that!" response, it helps to talk things out -- just in case," James wrote. "You can even do some role playing to lighten up the conversation."