Holidays are happy times for kids on vacation, but they can be trying times for school districts hit hard by vandals, thieves and arsonists taking advantage of empty campuses.

In light of this, SCUSD is asking the community for help in keeping schools safe and secure over Spring Break next week (April 18-22).

“Most of our schools are surrounded by houses, and we need the residents of those houses to join us in protecting these valuable and sometimes vulnerable community centers,” said Sacramento Police Lt. Katherine Lester, who heads SCUSD security services.

Neighbors are asked to report any suspicious activity on campuses during the week. “The schools belong to the community,” said Lester, “and we need the entire community to help us guard them.”

For schools within Sacramento city limits call 264-5471. Residents outside city boundaries should call the county Sheriff’s Department at 874-5115. School security can also be called 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 643-7444.