CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WVEC) -- Local schools are preparing their students and faculty for the national school walkouts set to happen next week.
Several will take place at area schools across Hampton Roads.
Western Branch High School administrators sent a letter to parents stating that students will need signed permission slips in order to take part in the demonstrations.
If students do not have a signed slip, they will not be allowed to participate. Those students will be supervised inside the school building during the protest.
Read the letter sent to WBHS parents below:
Hello Bruins:
Tomorrow morning students will receive letters in their homeroom classes outlining the event “We Stand with Stoneman” planned for Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at 10:00am.
This event, designed to show support for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, will take place at each of the Chesapeake high schools.
Students will be instructed to take the letters home to be reviewed by their parent and/or guardian. Please read and discuss the letter and its details with your student(s).
Students who would like to participate in the event must complete, have a parent or guardian sign, and return the permission slip to their homeroom teacher.
Students will not be allowed to participate without a signed permission slip.
Students who do not wish to participate will be supervised inside the building duirng the event.
First block will be extended on March 14th to accommodate travel time for students to and from the stadium.
The Chesapeake Police Department will be present to ensure safety during the event.
WBHS Administration
The National School Walkout will take place on Wednesday, March 14 at 10 a.m. in response to the high school shooting in Parkland, Florida that claimed the lives of 17 people.
The goal of the protests is to take a stance against gun violence and push for legislative action.