We scored a minor victory in Lexington, as the superintendent has backpedaled from her previous support of the school walkout. There is no mention of opting out. There is an explicit mention that this is
not a school sponsored event, where her previous message implied that it was.
March 9, 2018
Dear Lexington Community,
Over the last two weeks, I have engaged in numerous meetings and conversations with students, parents, faculty and
staff, administrators, area superintendents, the school committee attorney, the police chief, school committee members
and town officials. For all of us, it continues to be difficult to process such a tragic and incomprehensible loss in
Parkland, FL. I deeply thank you for your e-mails, letters and our dialogue over the last two weeks. I take all
communication seriously and under close advisement. I am grateful to be part of such a caring and committed
community.
As you are aware, there has been a call for a National Student Walkout on March 14 at 10:00 a.m. intended to last 17
minutes. Students are responding to this call-to-action uniquely both locally and nationally. According to the event
organizers, the 17 minute time frame represents a way to honor the lives lost and for students to use this opportunity to
exercise their political speech rights regarding issues involving school violence.
Any plans to walk out of school are student-led endeavors and are not school or district-sponsored events. The
Lexington Public Schools takes no stance on any political statement associated with the student-led walkout, but
recognizes the importance of honoring those lost while working to prioritize the safety of all of our students during this
event and minimize the disruption to the educational process. Lexington Public Schools also recognizes the importance
of student voice and the powerful lessons of civic engagement that come as a part of this student run effort.
School safety for students and staff is our top priority, as such only students and staff will be permitted on school grounds
from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m on March 14. The school district recognizes that on March 14 some students may choose to
walk out, while others may choose to remain in classrooms. There is no expectation that students participate in a walkout.
I am working closely with Lexington Police, school administrators, the teachers’ union President, school committee
attorney and middle and high school students on the parameters and logistics for any walkout that may occur, while also
ensuring that learning continues in classrooms as planned. It is important to state that for any students planning to walk
out on March 14, I highly encourage them to remain on the school grounds. These students are also expected to
peacefully assemble and peacefully express themselves in accordance with the Student Handbooks and the Code of
Conduct guidelines. I ask that parents and guardians review these expectations with their children.
Elementary Schools
There will not be a school or district-sponsored walkout at the elementary level. If parents and guardians choose to
sign-out and dismiss their children from the school day, or for a time period of the day, usual school attendance
procedures apply per the District Elementary Handbook. If an elementary school student chooses to walk out of the
school, school administration will require the student to re-enter the school for safety reasons, and administration will
contact the student’s parent immediately. Parents and guardians of elementary students should review this expectation
with their children.
Middle Schools
There will not be a school or district-sponsored walkout at the middle school level. If parents and guardians choose to
sign-out and dismiss their children from the school day, or for a time period of the day, usual school attendance
procedures apply per the Middle School Handbooks. Lexington Public Schools recognizes that there may be some
students who choose to walk out of the middle school on March 14. Middle school principals have identified various
locations on the campus for students to assemble. Teachers and administrators will be expected to supervise students
while on school grounds. If students choose to walk, ride and assemble at the Lexington Battle Green, they do so at their
own peril. Lexington Police will be present at the middle schools and the Lexington Battle Green.
If middle school students choose to walk out of the middle school, the expectation is that they will not leave their
classroom prior to 9:50 a.m. and they must re-enter the school building no later than 10:45 a.m. Attendance will be taken
at 10:45 a.m. Any students not in their assigned middle school classroom by 10:45 a.m. may be subject to student
disciplinary consequences per the Middle School Handbook and Code of Conduct. Parents and guardians of middle
school students should review this expectation with their children.
High School
There will not be a school or district-sponsored walkout at the high school level. If parents and guardians choose to
sign-out and dismiss their children from the school day, or for a time period of the day, usual school attendance
procedures apply.
Lexington Public Schools recognizes that there may be some students who choose to walk out of school. The high school
principal has identified various locations on the campus for students to assemble. Teachers and administrators will be
expected to supervise students while on school grounds. If students choose to walk, ride and assemble at the Lexington
Battle Green, they do so at their own peril. Lexington Police will be present at the LHS football field and at the Battle
Green.
If high school students choose to walkout of the high school, the expectation is that they will not leave their classroom
prior to 9:50 a.m. and they must re-enter the school building no later than 10:45 a.m. Attendance will be taken at 10:45
a.m. Any students not in their assigned high school classroom by 10:45 a.m. may be subject to student disciplinary
consequences per the High School Handbook and Code of Conduct. Parents and guardians of high school students should
review this expectation with their children.
In closing, school safety for students and staff is of the utmost priority for the Lexington School Committee, school
administrators, faculty and staff, and me. Please do not hesitate to contact the building principals or me with any specific
questions or concerns, and our counselors, social workers, faculty and staff for support. Together we will help in every
way we can. The following are links to available resources for you and your children:
https://www.nasponline.org/resource...ty-and-crisis/talking-to-children-about-viole
nce-tips-for-parents-and-teachers
Shooting Resources | American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Respectfully,
Mary Czajkowski, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools