As a result of Megan's Law, more information regarding sex offenders has been made available to the general public than ever before. Yet parents are often left wondering, "What should I do with the information I receive?" To that end, the Massapequa School District is providing residents with easy access to the Parents for Megan's Law (PFML) registered sex offender e-mail notification system.

Subscribers to the PFML notification system are automatically notified via e-mail of new registrants to the New York State Sex Offenders' Registry, and directed to the PFML website where they can access the on-line registry for New York, as well as other states. Residents without home Internet access may utilize this system by means of the Massapequa Public Libraries.

Residents should also note that the district will continue to maintain a manual of all sex offender notifications received by the district, which is available at the District Central Office during regular business hours.

"The Massapequa School District continues to place student and staff safety as their top priority," stated Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lawrence Pereira. "We will also continue to alert our staff of notifications received, and we are available to assist parents by providing information and guidance on how to develop strong personal safety skills in your children."

Some of these skills include keeping current ID, pictures, video and fingerprints of children, not putting a child's name on his or her clothing or backpacks, and creating a family secret code word to use if someone outside the family has to pick up a child from school.

Children should be taught to say "no" and run away from a situation that does not feel right, and immediately tell their parents. Children should also be taught to memorize their name, address and phone number as soon as they are capable, as well as cell phone and work phone numbers.

In addition to providing access to the PFML system, the district's web site also provides more tips such as these, as well as helpful advice for parents on how to best use the information they receive, and links to additional resources.

"With the PFML notification system, we now have one more weapon in our arsenal to help keep our children safe from sex offenders," said Massapequa parent Carol Sperandeo.

The system is currently available on the PFML website at www.parentsformeganslaw.com or via a link from the district's website at www.msd.k12.ny.us//sexoffender.