Southwest Students Sit-in 9-1 Monday

Life events come in all sizes, shapes and characteristics.    To believe that high school students will be immune and unaware of life events is not realistic.   Think back to your own teen years.  Every event was huge and terrible and life threatening.  Some were rather trite - I cannot find the right shoes - to strong and personal - Grandma passed away.

Maybe we are reliving the 60s.  There was an unpopular war, the military draft, race and civil rights took various forms throughout the country - Many too ugly and hurtful.  Gendar issues moved in and out of various debates.  Every person in the country was impacted in some way and everyone had an opinion of right and wrong.  The voices were heard in the streets, in the colleges and in the schools.  The young frequently have been at the forefront of significant cultural issues.

This past week and past months numerous strategies played out in reaction to and because of local and national events.  Change in previous procedure happened.  The gathering in front of the precinct, not using grand jury, hour long open explanation of evidence and processes are just a few changes from the "normal" that happened.  Were they enough?  Is there a difference?   So what?  Time will determine the direction of these acts.

Southwest students are expected to ask questions and seek responsible and responsive resolutions.  Just as we did 30 - 40 - 50 years ago, there was grief, anger, disappointment, celebrations and excitement.  Media is now instantaneous and information travels quicker than the evening news.  Sorting fact from fiction and truth from opinion is no easier today than is always has been.  We have sufficient information now that we can talk about patterns and trends.  It would be outright silly to look at the patterns and trends of the last year and not react and question.

Some Southwest students will participate in a sit-in Monday morning.  There will be discussion prompt questions and time to reflect, remember and think.  If a student misses a class it is unexcused. This is not a school supported activity and will be monitored.   Student rights need protection and sometimes students need to be protected.

Each of us should pause and reflect on what we value and believe.  What has been happening should not be a predictor of what will be.  I believe strongly in the power and important learning and education.  Southwest's goal of each person reaching his/her personal best remains important.  We must be prepared to change and make tomorrow better.  Without the preparation of an quality education this becomes more difficult.