Blake Updates
March 11, 2018
March 14th Walk-Out and Rally
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The February 14 tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla continues to weigh heavily on the minds of our students and staff. Some of our Blake students have informed me of their interest in participating in a walkout on March 14th. The walkout is being organized to commemorate the 17 victims of the school shooting and advocate for laws to protect schools and students.
We respect and support the right of our students to advocate for causes that are important them. We understand that students may be feeling increased anxiety, fear and anger about this issue and we want you to know that we have staff and resources in place to support our students as they process what is happening in the world around them.
While we support student advocacy, we want students to engage in the civic process while at school, in a supportive and safe environment. Administrators are working closely with student leaders to develop a plan for March 14th that will give students an opportunity to express their views while remaining safe on our campus. On March 14th students will be permitted to hold a rally at the school coordinated by the Student Government Association. Students will be given the opportunity to head to the stadium during 3rd period for a rally. Students who choose to attend will be there during periods 3 and 4 and will return to the building during lunch. Students choosing to participate in this activity will be excused from class.
We know that some students may still decide to leave campus to participate in the march in Washington, D.C. We ask that you speak with your child to let them know that if they leave the school building or walk out of class outside of the designated time, it will be considered an unexcused absence. Information about the impact of an unexcused absence can be found in A Guide to Students Rights and Responsibilities.
We understand that students feel very strongly, as do we, about school safety. We are committed to working together to provide them with opportunities to express their opinions in a safe environment.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the school at 240-740-1400.
After Prom Fundraising Events
United We Learn Competition
For the second year, MCPS is sponsoring the systemwide student contest, United We Learn: All Means All. Students are being asked to use visual art and the written word to celebrate diversity while exploring the matter of equity for all. The contest challenges students to think critically about what equity means and how attitudes, traditions, systemic practices and/or legal matters impede or support the concept that “All Means All.” The contest is open to students from all grade levels. Submissions will be judged by level (elementary, middle and high) and by medium. Entries must be created by groups of two students or more. More details are available on the contest website. The contest will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 16.
Key Dates
- March 13- Spring Sports Parent Night, 6:30 p.m.
- March 14- All Period Day
- March 15- Blue Day
- March 16- Silver Day
James Hubert Blake High School
Email: Robert_Sinclair@mcpsmd.org
Website: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs/
Location: 300 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD, United States
Phone: (240)740-1400
Twitter: @Blake_Principal