Two representatives from the Mohawk Valley Chapter of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) visited the Upper Elementary School on May 17.
The representatives, Chris Mihn and Kathy Reese, spoke to students in grades 3-6 during two separate assemblies about bike and general safety. Students were specifically encouraged to always wear a properly fitting helmet, keep their bike in good condition, ride with at least one hand on the handlebars at all times and use the right sized bike. Students were also given five “rules” to follow: 
1. Check first.
2. Take a friend.
3. Yell, scream and make a scene (if in danger).
4. It’s okay to say no.
5. Talk to a trusted adult.
Both Mihn and Reese also discussed the mission of the NCMEC and promoted The Ride for Missing Children.
The NCMEC, established in 1984, is a non-profit whose mission is to help find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation and prevent child victimization. Over the last 35 years, the organization has circulated billions of photos of missing children, assisted law enforcement in the recovery of more than 237,000 missing children and facilitated training for more than 331,000 law enforcement, criminal/juvenile justice and healthcare professionals. Its national toll-free hotline has received more than 4.3 million calls.
The Ride for Missing Children takes place every year in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and Utica. The roughly 100-mile bike ride features thousands of riders, and honors and raises funds for our country’s missing children. The Utica ride is scheduled for June 7 and will start at the New York State Police barracks in Oneida and finish at the New Hartford Recreation Center.
The Upper Elementary School is raising money in support of the Utica ride. For just $1, you can purchase a tag and add your name to the school’s “Hang-a-Bike Wall.” Tags can be purchased in the main office now through Friday, May 31.
Thank you for your support, and good luck to all of the riders!