Students in the U.S. Virgin Islands public schools will join a national ‘Moment of Silence’ on Friday in memory of the victims of the Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Department of Education announced Wednesday.
Acting Education Commissioner Donna Frett-Gregory said that, along with honoring the victims with a moment of silence, each school will set aside 30 minutes during the day to allow administrators and staff to speak to students about the incident, the importance of making positive decisions, and the need to stay away from drinking, drugs and weapons.
Each district’s superintendent has also asked administrators to stress the consequences associated with violent or negative acts, and to encourage civil behavior among students.
“Our children must feel safe in the confines of their classrooms and school campuses, and we have to ensure that our parents are assured their children are safe once they enter our schools,” Frett-Gregory said. “We can all accomplish this with the help of our community.”
Department officials also encouraged parents to follow up on these discussions at home and to speak to their children about the importance of staying safe during the upcoming holiday season.
