Dear Perry Township Families:

As you may be aware, there has been much discussion about potential national walkout movements over the next few weeks. As a district, we have decided to follow our normal school schedule on Wednesday, March 14, and any other day that national walkouts occur. We do NOT have plans to participate in a walkout on that day, and we will follow our regular school rules to enter and exit. Any student who plans to participate in the walkout must be signed out by a parent or guardian.

Students have a constitutional right to free speech and expression, but those rights do not extend to the creation of a substantial disruption to the learning environment, which could occur in the event of a walkout.

Instead of the walkout, teachers and administrators at each high school, middle school, and sixth grade academy will determine whether they will lead discussions in their classrooms about school safety and promoting kindness.

We appreciate your support as we work to balance student safety and instruction while still supporting student expression. We encourage everyone to talk to students about the impact kindness can have on our community. If you have questions, please call the front office of your child’s school.

Sincerely,

Patrick W. Mapes
Superintendent