District 204 Urges Students Not To Walk Out March 14

(The following letter was sent home on Friday to families of high school students at Joliet Central and at Joliet West by District 204 officials. District officials reached out to the local press and provided them with a courtesy copy of their correspondence.)

JOLIET, IL - Dear JTHS Families, The recent tragedy in Florida and other tragedies in schools over the years have increased interest in student-led civic engagement efforts, including the idea of school walkouts. Student leaders have expressed their commitment to work together to create their own engagement effort, titled #OurJT17.

A group of over 50 students and staff met to plan JTHS’s response for a call to action that will begin on March 14 during the time a nationwide walkout is planned. #OurJT17 campaign is unique to the values of our students and schools. It is a 17-day challenge that honors the 17 victims who tragically lost their lives in Parkland, Florida, and a way for our students, staff, and community to advocate for violence-free schools.

Is there a school-sanctioned activity that my students can participate in on March 14 at 10 a.m.?

• Yes. On March 14 at 10 a.m., all JTHS students and staff will be given the opportunity to show our commitment to safe schools.
• For 17 minutes, there will be a combination of a video tribute, conversation, reflection, and students standing united, with their classmates, in the hallways throughout our campuses.
• This will not stop there. This is just the kickoff of our 17-day student led campaign, #OurJT17. Additional information will be provided to students during lunch periods and social media.

Student participation in all aspects of this campaign is voluntary.

The schools will have support personnel available to provide emotional support to students and staff, as necessary.

How will JTHS respond if a student chooses to walk out of school?

• Participation in a walkout during school hours is not a student right protected by the First Amendment. JTHS does not condone or support a student walkout.
• The planned #OurJT17 kickoff activities will continue.
• Teachers will record the names of students who leave their supervision.
• The student absence will be unexcused.
• Students who are late to their following class will be marked as tardy (unexcused).

For more information, visit: #OurJT17 Challenge

Image via Joliet Township High School