5:00 PM

Dear Junior School & High School Families,

Goose Creek CISD has received information that some students may be discussing or planning walkouts in response to recent immigration-related news events. This message is to ensure that students and families clearly understand district expectations, safety concerns, and the disciplinary consequences for leaving campus or disrupting the school day.

Students have the right to express their viewpoints through lawful, non-disruptive means. However, any action that interrupts instruction, compromises safety, or disrupts normal school operations is not permitted. As students will be on break Wednesday through Friday next week, any participation in such activities should occur outside school hours and in appropriate community settings.

Goose Creek CISD will take all necessary steps to maintain a safe and secure learning environment. Leaving campus or designated school areas without authorization creates safety risks and removes students from school supervision. Recent events across the state and nation have shown that gatherings intended to be peaceful can quickly become unsafe.

Leaving class or campus, encouraging others to walk out, blocking entrances, participating in protests on school property or within 300 feet of the campus property line, or otherwise interfering with the school day will result in disciplinary consequences. Students who leave campus and gather on public or private property may also be subject to intervention by local law enforcement and possible legal consequences.

Students who participate in a walkout or similar disruption will face disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Goose Creek CISD Student Code of Conduct and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Consequences may include, but are not limited to:

• In-school or out-of-school suspension

• Placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP)

• Loss of privileges and/or participation eligibility for school activities, including but not limited to extracurricular activities, field trips, fine arts, athletics, prom/graduation (high school), etc. DAEP placements may be staggered throughout the semester and may interfere with these school activities.

Students identified as organizers or individuals who encourage others to leave class or the campus, or who disrupt the school day, should expect more serious disciplinary consequences.

Additionally, any student who leaves class or campus without permission will be marked absent and will receive unexcused absences for all missed classes. Excessive unexcused absences may result in truancy interventions and may affect course credit, exam exemptions, and participation in extracurricular activities.

We ask parents/guardians to speak with their children about the importance of staying in school, following campus expectations, and understanding the serious consequences of leaving or disrupting the learning environment. Goose Creek CISD respects the right to express viewpoints. However, students also have a responsibility to attend school and help maintain a safe, orderly environment for all.

We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations and ensuring a safe and focused learning environment across our district. TEA recently released the actions required of school districts on this topic, which are available in the attached document and on the TEA website.

Sincerely,

Goose Creek Administration