(This letter has not been endorsed by the Manchester school district nor has it been endorsed by any other member I serve with on the school board.)
With all the news regarding the safety of our schools and the demand for gun control, there seems to be a movement, by some unknown group, to stage a walkout from classes in protest.
Regardless of what side of the gun control issue you are on, one thing that cannot be argued is these students who created such havoc and chaos were in a place none of us could ever imagine. What would make one go to such drastic measures? Bullying, feeling alone, loss of hope?
It is with this thought that I challenged my kids (and I urge you to do the same) on whatever day the walkout is planned to resist the feeling of being with the “in” crowd. The way to really effect change is by one heart and one mind at a time. I urged them to complete 17 acts of kindness (one for each person that perished in Parkland). I also asked them to step out of their comfort zone and eat lunch with someone different or introduce themselves to a different group of friends.
Walking out of school will not solve anything or create real change that is needed. That real change starts with one’s own heart. One that tells someone “you belong.” One that says “you are not alone.” On that says “things will get better” and yes, “I am here with you.”
The real change starts IN our school, not outside of the schools.
As parents, we can support this effort from our students by setting that example. By becoming part of that community in which they are a part of and supporting the efforts of the admin and teachers in helping to create that environment of positive change. Maybe consider the school an extension of your home, one that needs your attention and your talents, one that needs that positive male and female role model.
Just like the kids, I urge the parents to get out of your comfort zone and volunteer in at least one upcoming event. Show our students that the time we give to their school community is worth it and each student individually is worth it to us, even if we do not know their name or what their story is.
The students I get to meet while touring the schools and sometimes working at events are incredible. There is no doubt in my mind that each one of them has the potential for great things in life but not all of them have the same foundation to start on. Please get involved and urge your kids to create positive change around them and over time we will see a change in our community like no other.
The power of one is amazing, imagine what the power of a community can do.
Jimmy Lehoux
School Board Ward 8
