Dear Parkway Community,
Many conversations are happening about social justice and the trauma our community is facing with the killing of Daunte Wright and the trial of Derek Chauvin. In response, protests and school walkouts are taking place across the country.
SPPS is aware of a protest happening next week as detailed below. Please read the following information carefully.
The Minnesota School Walkout is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m., Monday, April 19. It calls for students to walk out of school until 1:47 p.m.
SPPS supports the role of protest in society and efforts to create change in the face of traumatic events and also respects the rights of those who choose not to participate. Each school will determine how to respect the choices of students and staff in appropriate ways.
We ask that any students participating in this event wear masks and maintain social distancing for the safety of our school community.
SPPS does not discipline students for peaceful protests. However, once the walkout ends at 1:47 p.m., students are expected to go back into school. Here at Parkway our school day ends at 1:00 p.m., the school buses leave Parkway at 1:07 p.m. and will not be able to wait for students. Please make sure your student is on the bus if they need transportation home.
If your child chooses to participate in a walkout and leave campus, SPPS cannot ensure student safety. Student walkouts could result in an unexcused absence unless parents call or provide a note. If parents do not grant permission for their child to participate, walking out will result in an unexcused absence. School buses will leave at the designated time, so if students miss the bus, families need to arrange a ride home for their student.
Staff members throughout our district strive to provide students a safe place to express their opinions and talk through their feelings without fear of judgment. In some cases, teachers may use current events like these to teach lessons on peaceful conflict resolution, the role of protest in society or creating change in the face of traumatic events.
If you have any questions, please call me at 651-744-1000.
Respectfully,
Melinda McBride, Principal
