Note from Audra: Dunwoody High Principal Cole met with DHS student leaders Tuesday morning to discuss this topic and what a protest at Dunwoody on the 3/14 National Walkout day might involve. My advice: Discuss this with your kids prior to 3/14.
What do you think about this event? Feel free to leave a comment on this post.
What is the National School Walkout?
For 17 minutes at 10 a.m. across each time zone on March 14, students, school faculty and supporters around the world will walk out of their schools to honor those killed in the massacre at the Parkland high school earlier this year and to protest gun violence.
Continue reading here.
I will be keeping my child at home during these political protests.
I applaud the students who are exercising their first amendment rights of freedom of speech and peaceable assembly. Whether or not I agree with their politics is beside the point. I imagine they are representing many points of view. They are, however, DOING SOMETHING…which will hopefully be a catalyst for some serious dialogue that is long overdue.
I share this article in hopes every parent shares it with his/her children…whether or not your child plans to walk out. I think this is a must read for young and old. http://www.ktsa.com/open-letter-teacher-students-walking/
Here’s the full letter in case you have trouble with the link:
“Dear Students,
I know you. I am a retired teacher of 24 years. I have taught you as 7th graders all the way through 12th grade. This is not a tweet or a text. It’s called a letter; lengthy and substantial. Do you really want to make a difference? Are you sincere about making your schools safe? Don’t walk out, read this instead. Walking out of school is easy compared to what this letter will challenge you to do.
First of all, put down your stupid phone. Look around you at your classmates. Do you see the kid over in the corner, alone? He could likely be our next shooter. He needs a friend. He needs you. Go and talk to him, befriend him. Chances are, he won’t be easy to like, but it’s mainly because no one has tried to like him. Ask him about him. Get to know him. He’s just like you in that respect; he wants someone to recognize him as a fellow human being but few people have ever given him the chance. You can.
Next, see that kid eating lunch all alone? He could likely be our next shooter. Invite him to eat lunch with you. Introduce him into your fold of friends. You’ll most likely catch a lot of flack from the friends you eat with because they don’t want him upsetting the balance of their social order. After all, who you hang out with is critical to your status, is it not? If status is important to you, don’t you think it’s important to him also? The only difference being that he has no status because generally, shooters have no friends. Are you serious about wanting to make your school safe? Invite him to your lunch table and challenge your friends to do something meaningful with thirty minutes of their lives each day.
Lastly, are you completely frustrated by that kid who always disrupts your class and is consistently sent to the principal’s office? He could likely be our next shooter. Do you know why he causes so much trouble? He initiates disruption because that’s the only thing he does that gets him attention, and even bad attention is better than the no attention he receives from you and your classmates. You secretly wish he would get kicked out of school or sent to the alternative disciplinary school so that he wouldn’t disrupt your classes anymore, that somehow, he would just disappear. Guess what? He already feels invisible in a school of thousands of classmates, you included. So, before he acts out in your next class, why don’t you tell him you’d be willing to help him with the assignment that was just given? Or why don’t you ask him to join your study group? If you really want to blow his mind, ask him for help on the assignment. He’s never been asked that. Ever.
If you’ve read this far, you probably really do care about the safety of your school. Don’t trust that walking out of school will bring an answer. Gun control or more laws is not, and will not, be the answer. You are the answer. Your greeting, your smile, your gentle human touch is the only thing that can change the world of a desperate classmate who may be contemplating something as horrendous as a school shooting. Look past yourself and look past your phone and look into the eyes of a student who no one else sees. Meet the gaze of a fellow human being desperate to make contact with anyone, even just one person. You. If you really feel the need to walk, walk toward that person. Your new friendship can relieve the heartache of one person and in doing so, possibly prevent the unjustifiable heartache of hundreds of lives in the future. I know you. I trust you. You are the answer.
And teachers, my fellow guardians of our youth, I know you too. I know the desire of wanting to make a difference in a young person’s life. I know the thrill of stepping in front of a classroom of students but simultaneously intimidated by the trust bestowed upon you. I also know the crushing, sometimes unbearable responsibility that your shoulders are asked to carry. But that’s why you got into teaching, because you have big shoulders. And a big heart. You’re overworked (I would add underpaid, but you didn’t get into teaching for the pay, so it needn’t be said), underappreciated and exhausted. May I add one more item to that list? You’re also a miracle waiting to happen in the life of your worst student. He could likely be our next shooter. The next time (and there’s always a next time) he’s ready to wreak havoc in your classroom, I challenge you to pull him aside and ask him if he’s ok, if there is something bothering him and is there anything you can do to help? Your genuine concern for him may be just the miracle he’s looking for. The miracle we’re all looking for. I know you. I trust you. You are the answer.
A former teacher who is as heartbroken as you and trusting you not to walk out on the real answer,
David (yes, teachers really do have first names) Blair
March 2, 2018
Dear Hillgrove Community:
I am sure you would agree that student/school safety is at the forefront of our minds and hearts considering the recent tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. I am terribly heartbroken that this happened, and I empathize with the families and school community that experienced this horrid act. As a result of this, the student walk out on March 14th is the topic at hand. I want to clarify how this might impact the normal school day, safety, and student outcomes concerning discipline. As you are aware, the Cobb County School District has posted the position and expectation on the front page of the CCSD website, and I want to reiterate the expectation as well as provide the answer to the question, “What happens if students walk out?”
While our students are passionate leaders, there are a few things to consider. The idea of the students being put in a potentially dangerous position while outside of the building, even for a few minutes, is not something I am comfortable with doing. The disruption of normal school operation is a policy violation. The district specifies that it’s not endorsing or supporting a walk out. Lastly, providing students a time and space to express themselves is not an issue, however it cannot disrupt the normal school operation. Therefore, the national walk out that is scheduled at 10:00a.m. does not align with the district’s expectations to maintain uninterrupted instructional time. Unfortunately, if students walk out they may be subject to consequences. Students will have to decide if they are willing to take that chance. I will continue to meet with students and staff members, administration, PTSA executive board and the school council about the best alternatives to allow students to have a voice. Once plans are finalized you will be informed.
I am sensitive to the students’ need to express their feelings concerning the loss of the 17!ives in Florida, however we must work together to keep our students safe, maintain the integrity of our instructional program and uphold the district policies. Again, I am not saying students are not allowed to be passionate and express themselves, I am willing to find other solutions as to how students can express their views at a different time of the day.
Please keep in mind that March 14th is an early release day and students will be released at 11:30, therefore instructional time will be limited. I appreciate your support as I continue to serve the Hillgrove community. Please know that you can always reach out to me for a professional conversation at any time.
Angela Stewart
Principal Hillgrove High School
My daughter has been scared since the Parkland shooting. I am so proud that our kids are speaking out and organizing to peacefully gather and express their need for safety. We have ordered her #nomore t-shirt for the protest.
My daughter is a Senior in High School, she has to make her own decision and I will support it. She makes a point to be well informed, and I trust her judgement
I read something about instead of “walking out” what about “walking up”. Walk up to a student sitting at lunch alone. Walk up to someone who looks like they are having a bad day. I would rather see kids “walk up” than “walk out.”
I think it is great that students nation wide are doing something to honor those that were lost and to make a statement. It is a peaceful protest/honoring, so I see nothing wrong with it. These children will change the world some day!!
Chamblee Parents,
On behalf of the students of Chamblee Charter High School, we, the Student Government Association of CCHS, demand that our school is made safer, securer, and stronger. In light of the recent massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, during which 17 innocent people were gunned down in their place of learning and teaching, it is more imperative than ever before that action be taken to ensure the safety of all at CCHS and in each and every school across the United States. In conjunction with the Women’s March #ENOUGH National School Walkout, SGA encourages all parents to join us on March 14, 2018 at 10 AM EST at the front of the school (main entrance on the front side of the school) for the Chamblee Charter High School Walkout to protest gun violence and demand action from Congress and all lawmakers on this pressing issue. Here is the link to sign up for this incredible event. We encourage all members of the CCHS community to partake in this historic, important moment in our country’s history.
PARENTS: If you choose to join with us next Wednesday, we ask that you arrive at or before 9:45 AM EST to sign in at the front desk. You will be unable to attend the walkout if you do not sign in. We must ensure that everyone who attends the walkout belongs there, and your signing in as a visitor ensures this.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Chamblee Student Body President Jake Busch at jakebusch99@gmail.com, Lucy Adelman at AdelmanLucy@yahoo.com, or SGA sponsors Ms. Clark and Ms. Kaspar. Let’s unite to demand action, end gun violence, and make Chamblee a safer, securer, stronger school once and for all!
Thank you, and we look forward to you joining us on March 14,
Chamblee’s Student Government Association
Walk Up Not Out!
Instead of walking out on March 14th, encourage students to walk up.
Find 17 people to walk up to and encourage. Read more at the image here:
https://www.theahaconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/walk-up.jpg
I am curious if DHS has given out a letter to the parents similar to this one? Nothing has been distributed from PCMS that I am aware of:
A message from POPE HIGH SCHOOL
Monday March 5, 2018
Dear Pope Students & Parents,
The recent news regarding Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has impacted us all as we struggle to make sense of the tragic loss of life. With safety as our top priority, it is imperative we work together in our community to ensure every measure is taken for our staff and students to work and learn in a protected and safe environment. As mentioned during the February 15th School Board meeting, our school district has been proactive in implementing numerous safety measures to increase the safety of our staff and students. These measures include, but are not limited to:
Implementation of regularly scheduled code red drills
All employees have been trained on code red procedures using an award-winning video
Principals trained by the CCSD Safety and Security Department
Video cameras throughout schools
One of the largest school police forces in the nation, serving all CCSD schools
Our officers are post-certified (same training as CCPD), and fully equipped
Alert Point Intruder System (currently being field tested in the district)
Specifically, at Pope HS we are taking the following actions:
A physical review of perimeter doors to ensure they are in proper working order
Investigation to relocation of our ADA door to the main office entrance
Increased directional and way signage in the main hall
A review of classroom door security that will meet fire code
Reviews of emergency classroom plans, procedures & drills
A physical review of other interior door security that will meet fire code
An emergency plan review of large group areas
Increased awareness of proper identification and other security procedures for staff and students as part of our emergency plan
Again, the safety of our students and employees has always been, and will continue to be, our number one priority. With this in mind, we cannot support or endorse allowing our students, your children, to participate in walking out of school which could place them into a potentially dangerous situation. As stated on the district website, we want to work with our students to identify an appropriate way to show empathy for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and its community without interruption of instructional time and without violation of district policies. Of course, parents are able to check their student out of school on any school day to leave campus according to policy.
This afternoon I met with a group of students to discuss the proposed event scheduled for March 14th. I will also be meeting with the presidents of several of our clubs tomorrow during AO. As the students seek to find an appropriate way to respect and remember the lives of students from Marjory Stoneman I presented three appropriate options for a non-disruptive remembrance ceremony:
A gathering before school at 8:00 a.m. on 3/14 with the reading of the names of the students who lost their lives.
A gathering after dismissal at 11:30 a.m. on 3/14 with the reading of the names of the students who lost their lives.
A silent transition at 10:05 on 3/14 from 4th period to 5th period in the halls while the names of the students are read over the school PA system.
I will be continuing to meet with our staff, student leadership teams, our PTSA Executive Board and School Council to further discuss non-disruptive activities and opportunities for our school community to honor and remember the staff and students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. I look forward to working with our leadership teams as we make a positive difference in our community.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Flugum, Ed.S.
Principal, Pope High School
Note from Audra: I just received this from a friend. I need to check into my settings to determine why it wasn’t sent to me (a DHS Parent)
Good afternoon parents,
In response to student interest in participating in the March 14th walk-out, we are prepared to monitor and provide supervision for all students. I am working with student leaders, staff, our school police officer, and campus security to have a plan in place to ensure the safety of all students whether they are participating or not participating in the walk-out. The logistics of the day will be aligned with the district’s expectations that were sent to parents on February 22, 2018. Please see the attached document that outlines the district’s expectations.
To clarify, we are not requiring or mandating any students to participate or to choose sides. However, we are putting safety plans in place for students who will participate and students who will not participate. Students who will not participate will remain inside of the building in their classrooms. As we continue to explore all ideas and concerns, our first priority is the safety of all students. Thank you for your continuous support of DHS.
A message from the DeKalb County School District superintendentCEO – Student protest.pdf
Through the ages, young people mobilize for social change, and older people fret about disruption and rowdy behavior. It takes action all across the spectrum to make change, from loud, boisterous actions to backroom negotiating and political dealing. My daughter has been very considered in her thoughts on the matter, has come to the conclusion that the way she’s best able to be heard now is through the rallies (since she can’t vote or negotiate with anyone), and that’s what she’ll do with our support. Finally, the ‘slippery slope’ argument that if we allow one rally, we have to allow them all is like saying we can’t possibly differentiate between scope, import, and impact of anything. I trust ourselves as adults to do just that, so I don’t buy into the idea that nothing can be done because everything can’t be done.
While a walk up is a lovely idea always, other countries have kids who feel depressed or bullied and yet don’t have mass shootings.
Walk Out/Protest 3-14-18
On March 14, 2018, students will be allowed to have a walk out/protest. The walk out/protest will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last for 17 minutes. The students will go to the gym where they will be supervised by teachers and administrators. Students remaining in the classrooms will also be supervised during this time. There will be no consequences for students demonstrating a peaceful walk out/protest.
I’m very against it, has nothing to do with the politics. It has everything to do with teaching our kids to walk out in the middle of school. They have a responsibility to be there every day. You can’t just walk out of your job. I think there are many other ways they can teach the children to raise their voice. For one thing, they can teach them how to write their congressman/women. I think this is wrong, inappropriate and it puts those children in a bad position that don’t want to walk walk out. This is not what I want my child to be learning in school!
Total leadership failure at DHS. The last two admin hires not working out. Want to protest? Protest the overcrowded hallways, the lack of doors and locks on bathroom stalls, the overcrowded and inefficient lunchroom, and of course the miserable athletic facilities (where visiting teams refuse to play due to safety).
I will let my daughter make her own decision as to whether or not she participates. She is almost 18 and will be voting in a few months. This is exercising her rights. I applaud her for standing up for her beliefs.
Just as I thought the media is already set up at Dunwoody and ready to swoop in.
Dear Parents,
I wanted to let you know about the school’s plan to honor the memory of the 17 victims from the horrible tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Guided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as well as the National Catholic Educational Association, Fr. Rowland and I have met with student leaders at Marist to discuss how we might best remember those who lost their lives last month. Because of our Catholic faith and of our Marist charism, our response will be grounded in prayer, reflection, and the perspective of the Church.
At 10 a.m. tomorrow, a student will make an announcement, bringing attention to the victims as well as reading from statements from the USCCB calling for peace and non-violence. Following that announcement, students will be invited to leave their classroom and go to the arcade, where 14 students and three faculty will stand each holding a poster with a picture of one of the victims as well as some information about him or her. Students can learn about and pray for these 14 students and three teachers, as well as their family and friends. Students might choose instead to remain in their classroom in prayer and reflection. Class will resume at 10:20 a.m.
As a Catholic school, we are committed to peace and non-violence and are glad to join in solidarity with other Catholic, independent, and public schools around the country as we hope to bring peace to all of our schools.
Mr. Kevin Mullally
Principal
mullallyk@marist.com
(770) 936-2234
Dear parents,
A number of DUMC students across the city will be participating tomorrow in the nationwide walkout to both remember the victims of the Parkland shooting a month ago and to advocate for steps that will lead to safer schools and a safer society. We always encourage youth to find their voice and to realize the potential they already have to make a difference in the world for the sake of God’s kingdom. Due to understandable safety measures, schools are not issuing visitor passes to anyone tomorrow during the timeframe for the walkout. But we want you and your kids to know that while Montana, Brooke and I cannot stand alongside them physically, we stand with all of our students in heart and spirit. And we pray that through the seventeen minutes of remembrance observed tomorrow, they will continue to develop into the kind of church and civic leaders that we need them to be. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail me at josh.amerson@dunwoodyumc.org.
Grace and peace,
josh
Why arming teachers may not be the answer.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/armed-teacher-injures-students-handgun-112531422.html?.tsrc=fauxdal
http://www.reporternewspapers.net/2018/03/14/thousands-of-students-join-walkout-protests/
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/nationwide-protest-planned-today-to-honor-parkland-shooting-victims/715685189