Dear Littleton Public Schools Parents/Guardians,

As you may know, there is a national movement to empower student voices through potential demonstrations or walkouts. One such national event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Students from across the nation have indicated they intend to demonstrate in the form of a walkout at 10 a.m. that morning to urge lawmakers to pass legislation to keep students safe from gun violence at school, at home and in the community. The national walkout will last 17-minutes, symbolizing the 17 lives lost during the February 14, 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.  

It is our understanding that students in several LPS schools plan to participate in this national walkout. It is important to us that our students learn to be independent, critical thinkers who contribute to a democratic society in a positive way. We support our students’ rights to express their views and opinions, understanding that students have opinions on all sides of issues, which could result in student-led demonstrations and student-led counter demonstrations. It is also important that such advocacy always be carried out in a safe, peaceful and respectful manner that does not infringe upon the rights and safety of others.  

LPS educates students preschool through grade 12 and beyond. LPS school and district leaders have been working with students to provide age-appropriate and safe ways for students’ voices to be heard with the least disruption to the school day.

The following arrangements have been made in the interest of keeping all students safe during the national walkout Wednesday, March 14, 2018:

• Elementary schools will not be allowing students to walk out of school for the demonstration nor designating a supervised area for a student walkout. The elementary school day will progress on its normal schedule. Parents who want their elementary students to participate in the national walkout should do so off LPS property and bring their students to school after the walkout. Per our normal procedures, elementary students arriving late will need to have a parent/guardian sign them in at their school's main office.
• Supervised space on campus will be provided for middle school students who choose to participate in the 17-minute walkout. During this time, students must stay in the designated, supervised area. Students will not be allowed to leave campus unless they are signed out by a parent/guardian. Students will be expected to return to class immediately following the walkout.
• Supervised space on campus will be provided for high school students who choose to participate in the 17-minute walkout. Students are expected to return to class immediately following the walkout.

LPS does not endorse any particular viewpoint or advocacy group. We do, however, respect our students’ rights to express themselves safely. District security and local law enforcement will be providing additional support. In the interest of student safety, designated walkout areas are for students and supervising staff only. It is our expectation that parents, community members and outside advocacy groups who want to express their opinions do so at the Capitol or through other community demonstrations.

Thank you for partnering with us in our efforts to keep students safe. Nothing is more important.

Sincerely,

Brian Ewert
Superintendent