Pawling Takes Grade-Level Approach To March 14 Walkout Protest

PAWLING, NY — The Pawling school district is taking a multi-pronged approach to National School Walkout Day March 14. The event was organized to honor the 17 students and staff killed Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. The walkout is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday and will last for 17 minutes, one minute for each of the students and staff who lost their lives.

Superintendent William Ward said in a post on the district’s website that Pawling Elementary School teachers will be prepared to discuss student’s questions or concerns in an age-appropriate manner, focusing on reassurance and a return to instructional routines.

Pawling Middle School students will not be allowed to leave the school at any unauthorized times unless they have been signed out and are under the supervisor of a parent or someone designated in place of them.

The middle school students will have a moment of silence at 10 a.m. in memory of the MSD High School victims.

Teachers will be prepared to discuss questions or concerns initiated by the students and will stress the importance of caring for everyone within the school community. This includes talking with a trusted adult if they believe someone is in need of support, Ward said.

Pawling High School students will have a moment of silence during morning announcements. Teachers will also be prepared to discuss concerns or questions the students may have.

If high school students choose to walk out of the school building to honor the Parkland victims, they will be directed to a designated area of the high school campus and will be monitored and supervised by staff. Law enforcement will be on campus to assist.

Students will be expected to return to the building after about 17 minutes.

Ward said students who leave the building for the protest will be contacted by the high school administration after attendance has been submitted by teachers.

“Leaving the high school and/or missing an assigned class is a violation of the student Code of Conduct and consequences range from a warning to an after-school detention,” he said.

Ward said consequences for first violations tend to be lighter than those for repeated infractions.

Photo credit: Google Maps.