Romeoville Student Walkout: Superintendent Mitchem's Letter

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Students in Romeoville are joining countless others walking out of school Wednesday, March 14 as a part of the March for our Lives movement. The walkout was sparked by the tragic deaths of 17 students and faculty in Parkland, Fla., and pushed largely by students.

Valley View Public School District 365U Superintendent Dr. James Mitchen released an open letter on the walkouts in his district, showing support for students' abilities to speak their minds.

"On Wednesday, March 14, high school students around the country will be showing support for the right to have a safe school environment. We recognize that there are differing opinions on how to address issues related to school safety, hence the need to offer students the option to participate as well as respect their right to refrain from participation," Mitchem said in the letter.

The walkout will be from 10 a.m. to 10:17 a.m., one minute for each victim of the massacre in Parkland.

See the full letter below:

Over the course of the last few weeks, students and staff have contacted me expressing their concerns about student and staff safety. I have assured them that we take all steps necessary to ensure their security. In addition to sharing their concerns, students have also shared with me that they see the events of February 14 in Parkland FL as a call to action.

On Wednesday, March 14, high school students around the country will be showing support for the right to have a safe school environment. We recognize that there are differing opinions on how to address issues related to school safety, hence the need to offer students the option to participate as well as respect their right to refrain from participation.

Each high school has a plan in place to accommodate students who would like to participate in this 17 minute event, while at the same time, providing a safe and secure environment. Students will be allowed to exit the building to go to a designated location on campus, but will not be allowed to leave the school property. Our safety and security staff will coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure student safety. Each high school will manage the logistics of those students who choose not to participate. The bell schedules at our two high schools will be adjusted to ensure full lunch periods.

As educators, one of our most important tasks is providing students with the guidance of learning advocacy skills for developing policy when they become adults. As time marches forward, we want to make sure the students of today are ready to assume the leadership roles of tomorrow.

The Valley View Public School District 365U thanks you for your continued support.

Respectfully,
Dr. James Mitchem
Superintendent

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