School District of Lee County Protocols for Walkouts The School District of Lee County joins the community of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in mourning the losses they have experienced within their school family. Students may have a mixture of strong emotions in the aftermath of this tragic shooting, for which assistance is available. We encourage students to speak with their school counselors, administrators, teachers or School Resource Officers regarding their thoughts and concerns. Resources are also available on the District web site, www.leeschools.net , under the District Info, “Departments”, Academic and Support Services, School Counseling Services link. The direct link is http://www.leeschools.net/schoolcounseling-services. Student leaders from each high school, along with school principals, met on March 7, 2018 at 2:00 PM with Superintendent, Dr. Adkins and District leaders to gather input on ways we can work together to make a difference here in Lee County in memory of those that lost their lives in Broward County. The student leaders will be reconvening after spring break to discuss ways that specific actions can be connected with advocacy. The School District of Lee County is committed to providing a safe, nurturing learning and working environment for our students, faculty and staff. The District respects individual viewpoints and is committed to recognizing the First Amendment rights of students and staff, however, we are concerned that walkouts may be a deviation to our schools’ standard supervision and safety procedures and may create a substantial disruption to the educational environment and could potentially create an unsafe situation for participants. Therefore, we ask that students and employees maintain the procedures for a normal operating day to ensure that teaching and learning continues. As always, the code of student conduct is designed and is enforced to ensure a safe and orderly environment for all. Additional information for principals:          *A Parent Link Message will be sent containing the information outlined above. Our expectation is that students do not leave the campus. Students will not be able to eat lunch at a shift they are not assigned to. Teachers do not have the legal right to engage in walkout or other work stoppages to support their students unless the district/school administration or other legal agreement has authorized the walkout. A designated location needs to be identified at each school with established plans utilized for evacuations and/or large school events. Mr. Demming will be reaching out to each school to discuss your plan and to determine if assistance is needed. Principals have discretion related to consequences for level 1 and level 2 offenses. Students that do not follow the guidelines to remain in class may be charged with a Level 1 Offense: Unauthorized Area (UNA): being present in buildings, rooms, or other areas on a school campus the student is not assigned to at that time or area not designated for student access without authorization. Students that do not follow the guidelines to remain on campus may be charged with a Level 2 Offense: Safety Violation: leaving Campus without permission. March 9, 2018