Eatonville Superintendent addresses walkouts/safety concerns over gun violence

"Dear Eatonville School District families and partners,

Recent events and unrest in Florida and the nation are sparking emotions and raising questions for our young people in Eatonville and Pierce County. Even at this tender time in their lives, our children are witnessing these events while trying to make sense of it all. As adults, we are tasked with providing guidance and an example for them to follow.

At [Eatonville School District], we believe times like these are teachable moments, both historically and socially. To this end, each of our schools has been in discussion with our mental health professionals to assist our students and staff to promote peace in times of crisis, and how to speak thoughtfully about violence. In the classroom, we will continue to incorporate the challenges of today into our social studies and history instruction.

Our ultimate goal is to support your efforts to help our children understand the historical significance of the moment.

If there is a need to support our students with any requested lawful assembly, there will be a designated space and time that will be established for students to express themselves peacefully and with order.

Students and staff have the right to teach and learn in an environment free from worry of being targeted in their classrooms or on their way home from school. Parents have the right to send their kids to school in the morning and see them home alive at the end of the day.

The tragedies in schools and on school campuses over several years have driven increased interest in student led civil engagement efforts and actions, including the idea of school walkouts. Eatonville supports students’ Constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. Our goal in responding to walk-out plans is to try and keep focus on teaching and learning while providing guidance and planning to support student and staff safety.

There are currently 3 major student led efforts underway nationally and regionally:

1. March 14: Call for school walkouts for 17 minutes.

2. March 24: March for our lives for all to participate in Washington DC, and cities across the country.

3. April 20: National School Walkout for students across nations in local areas.
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Please contact the school that your child attends, if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Krestin Bahr"

Krestin Bahr is the Superintendent of the Eatonville School District