A Message from Superintendent Jack R. Smith:
April 20 Demonstrations

Dear MCPS Community:

Over the last three months, in the wake of the tragic school shootings in Parkland, Fla., and St. Mary’s County, Md., many of our students have made their voices heard locally and nationally about keeping schools safe from gun violence. Their voices have served as inspiration for adults and children alike. As I have previously shared, civic engagement is the foundation of our democracy and MCPS respects and supports our students’ right to advocate for issues that are important to them. This support is found in Regulation JFA-RA: Student Rights and Responsibilities, and it has been reaffirmed by the Board of Education’s February 26 resolution on safe and secure schools and communities.

I have been made aware that some students intend to leave school without permission tomorrow, April 20, to participate in a national demonstration on school safety. While we continue to support student advocacy, we want students who choose to engage in the civic process to do so while at school, in a learning environment that is supportive and safe. With guidance from MCPS leadership, school administrators have been available to work closely with student leaders to develop a plan that will provide students an opportunity to express their views while remaining safe on campus. Schools will contact families if on campus demonstrations have been developed. These demonstrations are student-led and voluntary. No student will be compelled to participate or discouraged from participation.

As I shared in my messages on February 22 and March 12, leaving school property can disrupt instruction for other students and pose a significant safety risk, especially in light of the increase of school threats. MCPS does not have the staff or resources to ensure students are safe during the school day when they are not on a school campus.  I ask that you speak with your child to let them know that if they leave the school building without permission or walk out of class outside of a designated time, it will be considered an unexcused absence. Information about the impact of an unexcused absence can be found in A Student's Guide to Rights and Responsibilities and the Student Code of Conduct.

If school administrators learn that your child has left the building without permission, they will strive to contact you as soon as possible.

Elementary schools will not be supporting organized student-led demonstrations or talking with students specifically about these issues. However, school staff and resources are available to support students at all levels who may want to talk about school safety.

I encourage parents to continue conversations with their children about these issues. Please know that MCPS is committed to providing support for students, as well as an opportunity to express their views.

Sincerely,
Jack R. Smith, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools