Once again, I share my sadness with you concerning the loss of 17 lives, students, and adults, in the senseless, horrific tragedy that occurred in Parkland, Florida. As our nation grieves, students from across the country – and in our own community – have expressed a desire to protest violence in schools through the National School Walkout Day on March 14.
Following discussions with other Rockland County school districts, the South Orangetown Central School District has decided to provide middle and high school students with voluntary, educational opportunities to express their opinions and concerns about school violence on March 14 at 10am. These voluntary events will take place at Tappan Zee High School, South Orangetown Middle School, and Rockland BOCES. Students choosing not to participate will be respected and supervised inside the school buildings.
We are coordinating with the Orangetown Police Department, school staff, and our security personnel to ensure that these events are conducted safely in protected, designated areas. For security reasons, the Orangetown Police Department will monitor the events at SOMS and TZHS and members of the outside community will not be permitted to enter the school grounds from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. After these brief events, students will return to classrooms for discussion on how this form of student expression connects with our school district’s mission and goal to promote and maintain a safe and secure learning environment, consistent with the Project SAVE Law enacted by the New York State Legislature in 2000.
Due to the mature themes associated with this event, students at our elementary schools will not participate. Families are asked to speak with their elementary-aged students as they deem appropriate. For support with communicating with young children on this topic, please contact your building principal.
Sincerely,
Robert R. Pritchard, Ed.D.