Dear North Hills families,As you may be aware, schools and students across the United
States are preparing for 17-minute “walkouts” starting at 10 a.m. on March 14
to remember the victims of the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High
School.
At North Hills in cooperation with high school student
leadership, we are providing a well-supervised, safe and secure area for our
high school and middle school students inside their buildings during this time
period. This designated area within the buildings will allow those who would
like to pay tribute to and honor those who have lost their lives during the
tragic incident in Parkland, Florida, to do so as part of their school day.
The decision by our students to participate in this walkout
(and any walkout) is voluntary and NOT MANDATORY.
Students who do not wish to participate will remain in their
classroom, and they will be supervised by their classroom teachers. Our high
school and middle school staff members will ensure that all students are
accounted for upon re-entering their classrooms after the walkout.
As we work in close partnership with Ross Township and West
View Police officers each day, they will be on site at all North Hills schools
throughout the walkout time period to aid in ensuring the safety of our
students.
We believe that a walkout is not developmentally or
emotionally appropriate for our elementary students. With this belief in mind,
the school day will proceed as normal with no interruptions on March 14 in our
elementary buildings.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to
ensure a safe, educational and welcoming environment for all of our students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino
Superintendent