Protecting students at one Tulsa school

A Tulsa school is taking extra precautions after word of a potential child predator in the neighborhood. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin visited Monte Cassino and says after a series of break-ins

Thursday, November 18th 2004, 9:50 am

By: News On 6

A Tulsa school is taking extra precautions after word of a potential child predator in the neighborhood.

News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin visited Monte Cassino and says after a series of break-ins in the neighborhood, parents became concerned about reports of a man stalking kids alone after school.

Although Tulsa Police cannot confirm rumors that a young girl in the area was molested, just the possibility was enough for school officials to spring into action.

Entrusted with the care of a thousand children, school director Sister Mary Clare is taking no chances after word of a potential predator reached her office. â€œWe began to send out immediate e-mails to all our parents that we would keep our children in." The school is no longer allowing kids to wait outside after school or extracurricular activities. A memo was given to parents informing them. "Students will watch from the door for your car to pull up."

The memo also advised parents not to let children accompanied by older siblings play outside without adult supervision. Security is nothing new at the school; already visitors are monitored on camera and must be buzzed in over an intercom. "Realizing how immediately someone can do a lot of harm, especially in the neighborhood of children, we decided to take a lot of safety measures." Measures they have no trouble expanding now.

Child safety is on the minds of many with Tulsa Police on the lookout for a serial rapist targeting children. "I think everyone I've talked to has said, when I was young we had the run of the neighborhood, and it is so sad how we have to be so protective of our children."

Parents tell the News on 6 that even if there isn't a predator targeting this school, it's better to be safe than sorry. If you do see anyone who seems suspicious prowling around call police.