>>> MariaGeryk 12/04/14 9:19 AM >>>

Dear Shabazz,
I appreciate very much your support of Mark's efforts on this topic. However, the students have
chosen how they would like to implement this action, includingspecifically inviting theadults
they would like to be part of this experience. To honor that, I would request that we allow them
the space to manage this as they have requested. After they exit the building they are determining
the role of adults. I ask that adults do not intercede on this student event in order to allow them to
determine the shape of the experience and to exercise their own voice. I appreciate your offer of
help, but would prefer that people do not come to the high school today. I've cc'd other school
committee members in case anyone else was planning to attend.
Maria

>>> Amilcar Shabazz <shabazz@chancellor.umass.edu> 12/4/2014 9:03 AM >>>

I support the Administration's effort to develop a school-wide response that maintain's our focus
on teaching and learning and addresses the students who express a desire to walk out today on an
individual basis that stresses what needs they have tgat they are trying to meet. If the need is a
one-time event that does not aim to disrupt and supplant education going forward then I hope a
nuanced response is posdible and I read Principal Jackson's message as reflecting such an
approach. I will try to get over to the high school and offer whatever help I can bring. If students
walk to Jones Library i will walk with them in a safe and smart way. If they choose to stsy at
school or on the grounds (for a teach-in) then I will be willing to help the administration and
students in any way I can, including doing nothing. From what i lnow of the students involved i
am hopeful that things will go well today without furor or strife. Peace.
-------- Original message -------From: Mark Jackson <JacksonMK@ARPS.ORG>
Date: 12/04/2014 7:19 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Westmoreland, Debbie" <WestmorelandD@ARPS.ORG>, "Traschen, Jennie"
<traschen@physics.umass.edu>, "Geryk, Maria" <GerykM@ARPS.ORG>
Cc: "Bracey, John" <jhbracey@afroam.umass.edu>, Amilcar Shabazz
<shabazz@chancellor.umass.edu>, "Melnick, Alyssa" <alyssaruth@earthlink.net>, "Cage, Vira
Douangmany" <viraphanh@hotmail.com>, "Kastor, David" <kastor@physics.umass.edu>
Subject: Re: December 4 Student Walkout Planned
Ms. Traschen:
The students framed their interests as wanting to engage in civil disobedience. They
acknowledged that consequences come with such actions and were clear that they did not want to
be exempt.
Our school-wide plans to respond to the Ferguson decision are under development. I will share
them with the community when they are finalized.
Thank you.
Mark Jackson

Mark Jackson, Principal

Amherst Regional High School
21 Mattoon St.
Amherst, MA 01002
W: 413-362-1701
F: 413-549-9704
jacksonmk@arps.org
>>> Jennie Traschen <traschen@physics.umass.edu> 12/3/2014 8:28 PM >>>
Dear Principal Jackson and Superintendent GerykI do have some questions about this surprising message. Yesterday at UMass, there was a
student-organized protest about
the reality of justice in the US for African-Americans. Chancellor Subbaswamy sent a message
to the entire campus community
announcing this gathering, and asking faculty to accommodate students who wished to
participate.
I do not understand why the ARPS is placing barriers to student participation. The rational
procedure would
be to have a teach-in at the high school itself, to facilitate the participation of those interested. I
know that there
are several of your own faculty members who are highly qualified to contribute expertise to a
workshop about
racism in the US, as well as highly skilled members of the community, some of whom I've cc-ed
above.
It would seem that the leadership of the school would want to publicly show your concern for
students in your schools
who are at risk themselves - who are at risk to be innocent victims of violence from "arms of the
law". Why not
demonstrate your support for serious education on what can be done to change the enforcement,
judicial, and prison
mechanisms?
Certainly you know better than I about the unresolved rifts in the school system and the
community due to the
racism that Ms. Gardner has had to deal with. Racist bullying is just one end of the spectrum of
violence, the other end
being murder. Why not take advantage of the opportunity for education and dialog - rather than
setting up a
punitive, ie, confrontational situation?
I look forward to the Amherst schools setting an example.
Sincerely,
Jennie Traschen

Parent
Professor of Physics

On Dec 3, 2014, at 6:30 PM, Admin Assistant

<OminskyT@arps.org<mailto:OminskyT@arps.org>>; wrote:
Dear ARHS Parents and Guardians,
Tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, a group of students plan to walk out of the high school to
protest the recent decision of the Ferguson, MO grand jury not to indict the police officer who
shot Michael Brown. The walk out is scheduled for the beginning of D period. The plan is to
hold a moment of silence outside of school and then proceed to the Jones Library for further
discussion.
My interest here is to walk the line between supporting students and their emerging sense of
themselves as citizen/activists in a democratic society and not have the routine work of the
school disrupted.
I have communicated with the organizers of the walkout. We've agreed on some ground rules.
They include the following:
1. Any student who leaves the building without a note signed by a parent or guardian that
explicitly gives them permission to leave the building will be subject to a disciplinary
consequence. As well, the students will be unable to earn credit for missed work.
2. With or without a signed note, I've asked any student who leaves the building to sign out so
the school is able to account for where they are. The organizers have agreed to help make this
happen.
What I can't predict is how many students intend to participate in the walkout. The school will
make no effort to stop any student who is intent on leaving. So, I encourage you to have a
conversation with your child this evening about his or her plans.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson, Principal
Amherst Regional High School
21 Mattoon St.
Amherst, MA 01002