Statement on Student Safety for Walk-out
March 12, 2018
Animo Venice Family,
Animo Venice CHS and Green Dot Public Schools CA share the concerns about the gun-related violent incidents at schools that have been occurring across the country, most recently in Parkland, Florida. A grass-roots national movement of students and parents has encouraged participation in a 17-minute school walkout on March 14th to bring attention to the need for our political leaders to address gunrelated and other violent attacks. As a school, we respect and support the voices and actions of our students and families on important topics such as the issue of gun violence. As such, we plan to give some time to allow students who wish to express their concerns on this issue to do so. Student Government is planning on a pep rally style assembly in the gym, followed by a walk to the mailbox on Lincoln Blvd. to drop off letters to our different government representatives. After they drop off the letters, all students will walk back to school and will be going to their 7 th period class. Parents, if you would like to join us you are more than welcome to do so. The event will take place during advisory between 11:38am and 12:38pm.
Our students’ safety remains a top priority. While we are not able to ensure the safety of students who leave campus, there are other forms of advocacy and civic engagement that we can support while keeping students on campus. Students who do walk off campus will be considered truant, and so we ask that you speak with your child about the importance of staying in class and participating in the avenues our school will provide for them to express themselves and to show respect for the victims of the Florida school shooting.
We also ask parents and guardians to please monitor their child’s social-media activity and behavior and to communicate any concerns to school personnel. By following the principle, “If you see something, say something,” students, families and our school can continue working as partners in contributing to the safety and well-being of our school community. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or stop by our school.
Sincerely,
Julio Murcia
Ánimo Venice Principal