Dear Students,
As you may be aware, a student-led statewide school walkout to show solidarity against racial injustice is being advertised to occur on Monday, April 19 from 1:00 p.m. - 1:47 p.m. I wanted to reach out personally and remind you that we care deeply about you and your health, safety and wellbeing.
There is nothing more important than keeping you and other students and staff safe at school. As a reminder, Wayzata High School is a secured facility during school hours. All visitors and students need to pass through building security before entry to the school. I have had a number of students ask to coordinate this walkout to show support for this movement. Any student who chooses to participate by "walking out" will be asked to assemble in the bus lot area to maintain as secure of an environment as possible. School staff will be present at the entrance and exit to be sure of no traffic flow.
As a student, you have a right to assemble and peacefully protest. My role and the role of staff is to help maintain a safe and secure environment for both the students protesting and for students who wish not to assemble. In order for me to support student voices, it is imperative that any assembly is respectful and does not cause a disruption to the learning environment or disturbance to the property. It's important to remember that students have a choice not to assemble. If a student chooses not to assemble, it doesn't necessarily mean they are not supportive of the cause. All students will be accountable for their behavior, attendance and any coursework they may miss because of their protest or "walkout." Entrances to the school will remain locked/secured throughout the day; however, students will be allowed to return to class following the walkout.
Remember that our entire staff and I are here for each and every one of you and that we need to be here for each other. Please continue to share your thoughts about what we can do to support everyone in our school community.
Sincerely,
Scott Gengler Principal
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