March 14th- Day of Remembrance

The following is a message that Principal Keuther recently shared with the MHS community.  Within it, he  details the steps students and staff at MHS will take on March 14th to remember the 17 lives lost last month at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

I am proud of how our students and staff came together to create a plan that is respectful, thoughtful and positive.  They join schools from across the country who will take time on the 14th to honor those who lost their lives in Parkland, and who want to work to ensure we have schools that are safe from violence.

Please note that this event is only intended for MHS students and staff.  It is not open to the public.

March 9, 2018

Dear MHS Parents,

I am writing in response to the school shooting incident in Parkland Florida. Last week a national organization for youth empowerment called for students and educators to walk out of their schools on March 14, 2018, to honor the 17 lives lost at Stoneman Douglas High School. At Marshfield High School we see this as an opportunity to unite in remembrance of these lives. As high school principal, I have met with student leadership to support and assist our student body in creating an action that is organized, meaningful, safe and school appropriate. I am proud of our young people who have chosen to engage in thoughtful discussion, respectful expression and dignified remembrance, as they have planned our Remembrance Walk.

Our walk is completely student led and will include, a walk of silence, a moment of silence and reflection for each individual who lost their life at Parkland, the laying of flowers in their memory and a challenge to end school violence. This action will take approximately 40 minutes in length during our school day. It is intended only for the students and staff at Marshfield High School. We will also have an increased police presence during this expression to maintain our safe school environment.

It is very important that all students and staff understand that this response is voluntary. There should be no coercion of any kind, either to participate or not to participate, from adults or student peers. Students or faculty who wish to not take part will move to the auditorium during the time of the walk.

It is also important that everyone recognize that this action is not intended to advocate for a political party or policy position. It is NOT our role to accentuate polarization or promote our own political views. This is a Walk of Remembrance for those who lost their lives. The day after the shooting I challenged our students to commit to being kind to each other, to commit to caring for each other at all times, to commit to respecting each other and to life all of the time. Our daily choices establish the safe school climate we all expect and want. The conversation with our student leaders was amazing and we are grateful for their thoughtful expression.

Sincerely,


Robert E. Keuther Jr.
Principal
Marshfield High School