T IMES
SOUTHERN
ULSTER
Vol. 15, No. 12
3
MARCH 21 - 27, 2018
Students of
the month Lacrosse
preview
Page 20 Page 39
ONE DOLLAR
SERVING HIGHLAND, MARLBOROUGH AND PLATTEKILL
# NeverAgain
Bullet found
in Marlboro
classroom
Area students join national school walkout
By MARK REYNOLDS
[email protected]
On March 14 there were symbolic
walkouts at the Marlboro Middle School
and at the High School that was part of
a national day across the country where
students spoke out against gun violence
and the need to curb the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction in society.
Superintendent Michael Brooks said
the Principals were aware that the event
was going to take place just outside of
the school buildings.
“They had a dialogue with their
student body for a couple of weeks
prior to it so there were scenarios that
were planned out to keep kids safe,” he
said. “It was for the most part a silent
participation and recognition period.”
Brooks said he fully supports student
involvement.
“They want to improve their
education and make their school a safer
place [that] I think is well placed energy.
They are our most vulnerable asset and
they have thoughts on what we can do
as well on safety and security plans.
Kids have an absolute role in helping to
formulate this whether they know it or
not because we’ve had a lot of dialogue
with them and will continue to have
dialogue with them.”
Student Representative Isabella
Martinez helped to organize the Walkout
at the High School.
“We just referred to it as the Walkout
and it was planned through the National
Women’s March Organization,” she
said.
Martinez said she knew a number
of students who were upset about the
3
By MARK REYNOLDS
[email protected]
Jaspreet Gill
Students from Valley Central High School in Montgomery embrace during their school
walkout last Wednesday. In addition to Marlboro, there were walkouts at Goshen, Cornwall
and Valley Central among other area schools.
recent shootings and the victims of
gun violence and “I knew a number of
people who wanted to use their voice in
a powerful way.”
Martinez
communicated
Continued on page 4
WWW.SOUTHERNULSTERTIMES.COM
the
On Monday a bullet was found in a
classroom at the Marlboro Elementary
School that had been brought in by a
student.
Superintendent Michael Brooks
released a statement on the incident.
“Today a small bullet was found
on the floor of a classroom at the
Marlboro Elementary School. Building
administration acted immediately to
ascertain how the bullet ended up in the
school. The District’s School Resource
Office conducted an investigation and
it was determined that the presence of
the ammunition was not intended for
causing harm and at no time were any
students or staff in any danger. The
matter is now being handled directly
with the child and parents in accordance
with well established District policies and
procedures related to school discipline.
“This incident reminds us how
important it is to be aware of what items
your child is bringing to school each day,
as well as what they may be arriving home
with. Children do not always understand
the ramifications associated with even
accidentally possessing items that are not
allowed on school grounds.
“Our faculty and staff, and even our
students, all have a heightened sense of
awareness for safety and security in our
schools. This vigilance, along with open
communications about anything out of
the ordinary, is an important factor in
continuing to keep our children safe.
Please be assured that this is an absolute
Continued on page 4