The letter below was sent to families on the afternoon of March 14.
Dear Families,
Today at 10:00 am, students in our Silver, Gold, Green, and Blue Clusters voluntarily participated in the National School Walk Out. Our students had decided, in consultation with their teachers, to walk silently and respectfully through our neighborhood for 17 minutes in memory of the 17 individuals who lost their lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. While participation was not mandatory, over 200 students participated in the four oldest clusters.
I want you to know how impressed and moved I was by our silent walk in memory of the victims of the Stoneman Douglas High School incident. I am proud to be part of a community that stands together when necessary. Our teachers do a wonderful job imparting to our students the importance of being caring citizens and the need to advocate for themselves and others. As we passed other schools participating in the walk out, our students were able to see firsthand how individuals can come together to make a large impact. This will be an event they will always remember. In my sadness for those victims, I was comforted by walking in solidarity with all the teachers and students this morning.
I know when we return after Spring Break, we will be able to carry the momentum of this day through the end of the school year. Our students have already been hard at work on art projects in support of students in Puerto Rico, and we will continue this advocacy work upon our return from break. Our students understand that they are citizens of a global community, and I am continually inspired by their dedication to causes beyond our school walls.
Enjoy the time away, and I look forward to welcoming everyone home to Gaynor after break!
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Gaynor
Head of School