Mount Zion Elementary School went into lockdown last Friday after a stranger approached a student outside the school’s mobile classrooms.

The youngster was going to his class when a man walked toward the student and motioned at him, according to a letter sent home with students. The student ran into the classroom and told his teacher.

The Pruden Boulevard school went into immediate lockdown, principal Katrina Roundtree-Bowers said in a letter to parents.

The Suffolk Police Department and school administrators searched for the suspect, a white man wearing a black shirt and khaki pants. Lt. Debbie J. George, police department spokeswoman, said that she had not been made aware of the situation.

After police left, school officials patrolled the area for remained of the day, Roundtree-Bowers said.

Teachers have been advised to take extra precautions with students, she said.

&uot;Teachers were reminded to make sure when students are leaving mobile classrooms that children are not to be alone, and if they are on the playground to watch every student closely,&uot; she said.

She asked parents to review with their children how to respond during such an incident.

&uot;Discuss with your child the issue of stranger danger,&uot; she said. &uot;Make sure they know the importance of telling a teacher, administrator, or another adult immediately when they know of a situation that could threaten their safety in the neighborhood, at the bus stop, or at school.&uot;

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com