It’s been just over one week since plans were started by Wilton High School students to participate in the March 14 National School Walkout event to honor the 17 students and educators who were killed in the Parkland, FL school shooting, and demonstrate the need for students to feel safe and secure at school.
Now, WHS principal Dr. Robert O’Donnell and student body president Cameron Berg have each sent email messages home to the WHS community with details about the walkout, and articulating the school’s position regarding the purpose of the event.
In his message, O’Donnell seemed to respond to critics who have accused the school of taking a political stance, either on the issue of gun control or with any national organization associated with it. He wrote that the “spirit of the ceremony” demonstrating respect and empathy for victims of school violence is the focus, rather than any political belief or agenda.
“Some may wonder if the school is proselytizing or espousing any one particular political belief regarding the exercise. The private thoughts of our students around policy and action agendas may be richly diverse, but we have agreed to subordinate those thoughts to the spirit of the ceremony, designed to foster empathy for victims of school violence and vigilance for safety in our schools,” O’Donnell wrote.
He also reiterated that the event has been organized and led by students, which hews to the stated mission of WHS, promoting “student engagement with the world beyond the walls of the school,” and allows students to apply their learning to real world issues in the community.
Berg’s message to WHS families also called the walkout “nonpartisan” and said it was a “show of solidarity” with the Parkland, FL high school students. He added that it isn’t political but that some students do feel strongly about the gun control issue.
“This event is by no means a political rally and is not associated with any external political organization. At the same time, it should be made clear that many in the Wilton High School community are participating in the walkout because they believe that our elected officials have failed to adopt common sense legislation that carries almost unanimous public support.”
Berg echoed O’Donnell is stating that participation is completely optional and students had other options inside the school if they chose to not take part in the walkout.
Both messages reiterated that parents and other community members are expected to remain away from the high school campus at the time of the walkout, and that police will be present to maintain safety and security.
The texts of both messages are below:
Letter from Dr. Robert O’Donnell, WHS Principal
Dear Students, Staff, Parents, and Guardians:
On March 14th, Wilton High School will support a student-led initiative to honor the memory of those who lost their lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, stand in solidarity with that school, and demonstrate a conviction that schools should be safe and secure places. We are writing to explain the nature of the event, how it will be organized, and why we believe it is important.
At 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14th, students who choose to participate will proceed to the Lilly Soccer Field for the ceremony. From 10:00-10:17 a.m., our students will honor the 17 people who were killed in Parkland, and reaffirm their desire that our schools remain, in the words of our Student Body President, “safe, supportive and compassionate.” Faculty, along with the Wilton Police Department, will be present to supervise the event and ensure orderly, safe operations. Only WHS students and staff will be allowed to participate. Parents and community members will not be in attendance since event security and the integrity of the school perimeter will be paramount. Participation is completely optional. Students who choose not to participate will have the option to remain in their period 3 class. The cafeteria and Library Learning Commons will also be open and supervised during the duration of the event. After this ceremony, students will return to the building and the day will continue in the ordinary course.
The ceremony was conceived and is being designed by our students. We are proud of their initiative. Our mission statement privileges student engagement with the world beyond the walls of the school. By choosing to engage with recent events and be part of a caring response, our students are realizing their potential to apply their learning to real world issues and be active participants in our community and beyond.
Some may wonder if the school is proselytizing or espousing any one particular political belief regarding the exercise. The private thoughts of our students around policy and action agendas may be richly diverse, but we have agreed to subordinate those thoughts to the spirit of the ceremony, designed to foster empathy for victims of school violence and vigilance for safety in our schools. We are fortunate to have student leaders with great depth of character and wide range of vision, along with a student body dedicated to high ideals. In those traits we see hope for a better tomorrow.
Respectfully,
Robert William O’Donnell, Ed.D.
Wilton High School Principal
Message from Wilton High School Student Body President Cameron Berg
Wilton High School students are organizing a walkout that will take place on March 14th. This event, at its core, is a nonpartisan show of solidarity with our peers at Stoneman Douglas High School and a demonstration that the Wilton High School community is deeply serious about school safety and security. This event is by no means a political rally and is not associated with any external political organization. At the same time, it should be made clear that many in the Wilton High School community are participating in the walkout because they believe that our elected officials have failed to adopt common sense legislation that carries almost unanimous public support.
At 9:50 on Wednesday, March 14th, students and staff are invited to walk out of the high school through the main entrance doors to Lilly Field. From approximately 10:00-10:17, we will honor the 14 students and 3 educators who were killed a month prior in Parkland and demand together that our school be as safe, supportive, and compassionate as possible. After the walkout, we are asking students to report to the remainder of their period 3 class and continue on with the day. Students will not be marked unexcused for participating in the walkout.
Participation is completely optional. Students who choose not to participate will have the option to remain in their period 3 class. The cafeteria and Library Learning Commons will also be open and supervised during the duration of the event. There will be a police presence in and around the building during this demonstration. Parents and visitors are expected to remain off campus during this time. Thank you for your maturity and leadership during this demonstration of solidarity.