Students leaving campus or skipping classes for the National School Walkout will be marked absent, according to a recently issued Benicia High School newsletter.
In response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. One month ago today, students at schools and universities throughout the country are planning to walk out in protest of gun violence. The event was initiated by EMPOWER, the youth branch of the Women’s March movement and has been heavily promoted on social media. While many schools are allowing students to participate, others have forbidden it because of safety and time concerns.
In Benicia High’s monthly “Panther Post” newsletter, Principal Brianna Kleinschmidt noted that while the school is allowing students to take part in activities during Access Period, those who leave campus or miss classes will be marked absent. Additionally, students who partake in extracurricular activities such as athletics, band and theatre, will not be permitted to play or participate in any activities that day if they leave campus or skip class, in accordance with school policy.
“Please understand that our limitation on walking out of school does not mean we are not supportive of student feelings and voice, but we cannot permit students to leave campus during the school day due to safety concerns,” Kleinschmidt wrote. “While we are aware of several marches and demonstrations happening around the state and the country that call for student participation, we must continue to conduct school and provide instruction to our students as scheduled.”
However, there is an alternative for students who wish to show their support for the National School Walkout without leaving school. Some Benicia High School students are organizing memorial-focused activities during Access Period. Students can choose to participate in these events or can remain in their Access class. If the weather is adequate, the events will take place on the football field. These events are not open to the public because Benicia High School has a closed campus during school hours.
The organized events include 17 moments of silence, one for each victim of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Also participating in the event is the League of Women’s Voters, who will have a table for students to register or pre-register to vote. Students who are a part of the suicide prevention program Sources of Strength will provide an opportunity for students to come together for a discussion of 17 ways that they can positively change the climate at Benicia High.
Kleinschmidt also expressed support for those wishing to take part in other community events in response to the Stoneman Douglas High shooting. These include the March for Our Lives at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 24 beginning at the corner of First and B streets and a pre-march sign-making workshop at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 21 at Arts Benicia.
Sharing is caring!
Your Mayor Patterson supports this Walkout. It appears her E-Alert shows that. She can explain that E-Alert. No need to even send it unless you are for the WALKOUT. Remember who you vote for in 2018 and 2020. Time to Stand Tall and Walkout on Mayor Patterson and Vice Mayor Young. They are leading this city in the wrong direction. It is called a financial crisis.
Bravo to our Mayor and Vice Mayor for standing up to gun violence and for the students. They will join along with students and resident in the March for Our Lives at 10 am on March 24 at the foot of First Street to show your support for common sense gun legislation.
I’m surprised. I expected that BHS, BMS, elementary teachers and faculty would walk with the students since this region has a history of support for non violent demonstrations against violence. Perhaps Benicia isn’t as liberal as I think. Maybe it is only our politicians who are liberal.
Students are unsatisfied with the level of care they are given, they feel unsafe, there is a lack of support & they are fed up with the gun violence. If you’re more upset with the protest than the school gun violence, you’re the problem, sis.
Whichever option these students take, it seems that they would be taking part in promoting a positive message. I support all school kids in America making their voices heard when it come to important topics that potentially have an effect on them.
Please join the Benicia March For Our Lives starting at 10 am on Saturday March 24 at the foot of First Street in Benicia to show your support for common sense gun legislation. Please join students, parents, teachers, grandparents and ordinary Benicians as we walk together in this peaceful march. The march will be followed by a rally at the gazebo area at City Park. Make your voices heard.