Dear Brewer School Department Parents:
The purpose of this message is to communicate to you the plans that your children have developed and thought about for March 14, 2018. There has been a great deal of discussion and debate across our country on the purpose of this day and what this walkout means to students. For Brewer, our students have chosen to focus on honoring the victims of school shootings across our country and having the opportunity to ask questions about school safety and security. Your children have asked for an indoor space after hearing the Brewer Police Department and Brewer Administration had concerns about students congregating outside at a specific date and time. Given the number of threats being made to schools recently, our students have been incredibly understanding and responsible as they plan this event on March 14.
High School Plans
This event is organized by the students. They have asked that it be voluntary and that any student wishing to participate and honor the victims go to the gym at 10 AM on this day. During this time, the students will have a moment of silence, put their thoughts on a banner, make new friends, and create cards building on the Brewer Community of Caring they already value and appreciate. Students also have questions about school safety. During this time, the Brewer Police Department and administration will be present to answer questions they may have on school safety and security. The goal of this event is to give students the voice they are asking for in honoring the victims and helping our students feel safer in our schools by providing them with the answers to the questions they are asking.
Community School Plans
The teachers have been listening to the students this week for any questions or needs regarding school safety. During a faculty meeting this Thursday, a discussion will occur to see if a similar plan to the high school is needed for the middle school students. At this time, any questions that are being asked by students are being handled by the administration, school resource officer or the teacher. A possible inside gathering for students with questions may occur if the need rises. Mr. Leithiser or I will communicate any further Community School plans with you.
I have listened to many of you over the last week and stated I would get back to you with the plans for this twenty-minute time frame. I am proud of the work that students have chosen to do and the proactive approach to the “walkout” they have taken. Our administrative team, school resource officers, faculty and emergency response teams continue to review and practice our safety and security protocols. We also continue to look for ways to enhance and build upon the practices we already have in place.
I thank you for your patience over the last two weeks. I hope you can appreciate the work of your children. It is an honor to work with them daily. They truly are incredible children with caring hearts and a capacity to give to their community by learning how they can improve the safety of their schools. If you have further questions, please call the Superintendent’s office at 989-3160.