External Link Download File Google Drive Link Image File PDF

SSD Response to Possible Student Walk-Outs

By

Dear Sherwood Parents, Guardians,

The most recent tragedy in Florida has ignited a national discussion regarding school safety and the rights of staff and students to work and learn in a safe environment. As a result of the messages posted on social media and wide-spread news reports, several events are being promoted including a national school walk-out on March 14.

The Sherwood School District will provide guidance to staff to prepare for this event, with student and staff safety as the highest priority. While this is not a district-sponsored event, it is important for all students to be safe. The District is developing a supervision plan for students who choose to participate in student-initiated events, as well as students who choose not to participate.

The following details the plan at every level:

  • Elementary Level: While we don’t anticipate a walkout at the elementary level, we are developing plans to supervise students should one occur. Students will not be allowed to leave campus. Staff will not participate in walk-outs, except if they are assigned to provide supervision on campus.  

  • Middle Level: School attendance will be taken before and after the event. Students do not have permission to leave campus or disrupt the learning environment for others. Should students choose to leave campus, they will be unsupervised and unexcused. Instruction will continue during any walk-out event. Staff will not participate in walk-outs, except if they are assigned to provide supervision on campus.  

  • High School: Nationally, protests are scheduled to occur at 10 a.m. Due to the high school final exam schedule, lunch will occur from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. 11th and 12th grade students with an off-campus permit will be allowed to leave campus during lunch, as usual.  Any students without an off-campus permit (including all 9th & 10th graders) are not allowed off campus at lunch. School attendance will be taken before and after the event. No students have permission to leave campus during instructional time or to disrupt the learning environment for others. Should students choose to leave campus, they will be unsupervised, and if they choose to leave during instructional time, they will be unexcused. Instruction will continue during any walk-out event. Staff will not participate in walk-outs, except if they are assigned to provide supervision.

We understand parents may wish to show their support for students. We ask that you gather on sidewalks or public spaces, rather than on school property. If you choose to go on campus or enter the school building, you will be required to follow all visitor/volunteer check-in processes.

Thank you for your unrelenting support of our students during these very challenging times.

 

Sincerely,

Heather H. Cordie