Providence Public Schools: «Stay in School» on Friday

Providence Public Schools: «Stay in School» on Friday
The district sends automated calls to high school parents urging them to tell
students not to participate in planned walkout

Providence Public School District Superintendent Christopher N. Maher has gone on
record saying he does not support a student walkout on Inauguration Day. High school
parents throughout the city will get to hear this in Maher’s own voice when they
receive an automated phone call from the district this evening. Known as a
ParentLink, these calls are frequently sent in English and Spanish to share
important messages with Providence Public School families.

Maher says, «Providence Public School District views parents as key partners in
student success. The telephone message is intended to remind parents that their
voice matters in influencing their children’s behavior.»

The text of the message is as follows:

Dear Parents,

This is Christopher Maher, superintendent of Providence Public Schools. The school
district has learned of a planned student walkout this Friday, January 20, to
protest the presidential inauguration. At Providence Public Schools, your child’s
education and safety are our primary concerns. As such, the school district does not
support this walkout. While we respect our students’ right to express their
opinions, we believe that they should do so at a time that does not disrupt their
school day.

We ask that you reinforce this message when you talk with your child about his or
her plans for Inauguration Day. Please tell your student to stay in school on
Friday.

The message was delivered to more than 7,000 students.