In response to a National School Walkout protest next week and what is being allowed in Anderson School District One, District One officials said Thursday that students at each of the District’s three highschools will have an opportunity to honor shooting victims in Florida and provide input on improved school safety.
Details were provided by school officials Thursday in the following statement:
“In the wake of the recent Parkland, Florida school shooting, students are discussing and advocating for increased school safety and security measures. March 14 is the one month anniversary of the Parkland tragedy. Students in Anderson School District One benefit from being active participants in democracy and will get an opportunity to apply what they have been taught – to think, to plan and to communicate.Therefore, student leaders at each of our high schools have worked to create meaningful, reflective times for students on March 14.”
The statement provided additional details of what student leaders in each of the highschools have planned:
“Student leaders from Palmetto High school have toured their school to look for places where safety enhancements could be made. It is their goal to bring attention to these areas and ask for action by the district to help improve safety. Student leader, Madison Stewart, said students will be allowed to leave class and go stand by an area they feel where safety could be improved. They will remain in silence as the names of the victims from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are read. Their two goals are to remember those that lost their lives and to call attention to ways their school can become a safer place for learning.
Powdersville High School student leaders asked administration to do something constructive for the school. They have planned to “sit in” class and talk with their teachers about school safety. There will be a time for each student to voice concerns and give ideas on how to keep the school the safest learning environment possible. The information gathered will be compiled and shared with local, state and national leaders. In honor of the latest victims in a school shooting the students have asked to have a moment of silence for ALL victims of school violence.
Wren High school students enrolled in AP English class under the direction of teacher Matthew Truesdale requested a meeting with school and district administration for the purpose of sharing how they wanted to take a stand against school violence. Their goals were to honor the victims and give students time to reflect on school safety where students gather in the high school auditorium. A banner was created for all students to sign and send to Stoneman Douglas High School to show Wren’s support for those students and the tragedy they experienced.”
“The district is committed to striking a proper balance between student’s rights on free speech and the district’s responsibility to ensure safety and order in its schools,” Anderson School District One Superintendent David Havird said.
School District One prepares for school walkout event
