(814) 946-8350

FAX NO.: (814) 946-8226

ALTOONA A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
OFFICE of the SUPERINTENDENT
1415 SIXI'HAVENUE
ALTOONA, PA 16602

March 6, 2018

Dear Parents,

A National School Walkout has been planned by students across the nation in response to the tragic school
shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018. The walkout is
to take place on Wednesday, March 14 at 10 a.m. and is to last 17 minutes to honor the 17 victims of the
Parkland shooting.

The goal of the protest is to honor the memory of the 17 victims and to call for legislation against gun violence
to keep our schools and communities safe.

We understand and recognize that students may wish to participate in this planned walkout. When students
advocate for an issue they feel passionate about, it can be a powerful learning experience. We also want to
ensure the continued safety of our students and realize that a planned walkout may pose a safety concern for
those who choose to leave the school and gather together outside the building.

In support of our students and in honor of those who lost their lives in Parkland, FL, we have planned a
memorial event that will take place inside each of our schools at the designated time of the walkout.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m., instruction at the Junior and Senior High School will pause and a memorial video in
honor of the Parkland shooting victims, produced by AAHS MLTV Broadcasting students, will be shown in
each classroom. The video will be followed by a moment of silence and a classroom discussion about school
climate and safety will be facilitated by the classroom teacher.

At the elementary schools, each class will pause for a moment of silence beginning at 10:00 a.m. Teachers will
then read a book on safety to the students and review safety procedures and protocols.

Please speak with your children about the walkout and the plans that are in place in at the schools. We want to
ensure our students are safe and understand the potential safety concerns of congregating outside at a publicized
date and time.

If you have any questions, please contact the building principal at your school.

Sincerely,

Charles A. Prijatelj, Ed.D

Superintendent of Schools

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