Dear Parents,

There has been a lot of discussion on social media in recent days encouraging students to assemble or to "walk out" as a means to show solidarity against racial injustice. I wish to address some generalities regarding school district responses and procedures in the event that a student assembly, protest or walkout were to occur here at WHS.

Generally speaking, students have a right to respectfully assemble and peacefully protest. Our first goal as a school is to maintain an environment that is conducive to student learning, and that means a school where students and staff feel safe. In the case of a student assembly, protest or walkout, school administration, School Resource Officers and student support teams will be on hand to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff. Our primary responsibility will be to minimize the level of disruption that may interfere with learning. Because these are not school-sponsored events, all students who participate will be accountable for their attendance and any coursework they may miss because of their protest or "walkout."

Currently, we are aware of a student planned 47-minute "walkout" scheduled for Monday, April 19 at 1:00 p.m. Some parents may feel compelled to join students in the "walkout." Be advised, to maintain a confident level of security on our campus, access to any assembly will be limited to students and staff who are supervising and ensuring the safety and security of those students choosing to participate.

A similar communication was sent to students earlier today.

I have the utmost confidence in our staff to work with our students during any protest or "walkout" that may occur. If you have any questions concerning the above issue, please do not hesitate to contact me personally at 763-745-6610.

Sincerely,

Scott Gengler

Principal