February 7, 2018
Good Afternoon Parents,
As we all know, on February 14th, yet another tragic shooting occurred in a school. What makes this event different is that many of the young people who attend Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have sparked a national effort to have their voices heard. These students are calling on their peers in schools across the country to join in a “17 minute” walk out of classrooms in support of the students from Parkland to send a message that school shootings must end.
Many students at BHS have told me that they intend to participate in this “17 minute” student-initiated walk-out. Students have the right to assemble and express an opinion in school so long as it does not disrupt the educational process or create a safety concern
- This is strictly a student-led initiative and is an individual student’s choice.
- This is not a school sanctioned, organized, or sponsored event.
I want to highlight one of several steps I shared with the student organizers with respect to student safety. Students choosing to “walk out” will report to the school’s Gymnasium rather than to an outside area. Using the Gymnasium will provide a much safer environment for students to assemble.
Below is the information I have asked every teacher to share in Advisory prior to the event. Please take a moment to read through the information below and talk with your son or daughter about their thoughts and intentions. I have heard talk by a small number of students they may still walk outside of the school. I will be making it clear to all students that this action will be subject to school consequences.
Teachers Read Please Read in Advisories:
Excerpt from School District Policy JL: Student Rights and Responsibilities gives students the right to “peaceably and responsibly advocate change of any law, policy, or regulation. Students may exercise their right to freedom of expression through speech, assembly, petition, and other lawful means. The exercise of this right must not interfere with the rights of others. Freedom of expression may not be utilized to present material, which tends to be obscene or slanderous, or to defame character or to advocate violation of federal, state, and local laws, or school policies, rules, and regulations.”
Therefore, any student wishing to support the 17 minute walk-out in honor of those killed in Parkland and in support of ending school shootings may do so without consequence provided they remain in compliance with guidelines presented and the school district policy.
Students who choose to participate in the walk-out are asked to quietly leave their classroom and head directly to the Gymnasium at 10:00am. Students who walk outside of the building will be subject to school consequences. Once all students have arrived in the gym, they will remain there for 17 minutes, one minute in honor of each person killed. During this time students will be asked to remain quiet and attentive. Several students, who have met with me prior to the walk-out, will address the assembly.
Students are reminded to be respectful during presentations as there may be points of view expressed that are different from their own. Students are being reminded that if they want to be the generation who leads the change in our world, that it needs to begin by demonstrating their willingness to hear a different point of view with a genuine intent to listen and understand. In order to do that, they must demonstrate mutual respect and acceptance of others and their opinions. At the conclusion of the 17 minutes, students are asked to quietly return to class.
Students who do not wish to participate in the walk-out may remain in class with their teacher.
Regards
Mr. Hagen