High school campus reopened
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October 15, 2013 |
After a two day campus restriction for male
students resulting from a bomb hoax last
Thursday, Bonners Ferry High School Principal
Tim Gering not only announced this afternoon
that the campus was reopened, he personally
addressed all male students to thank them for
their cooperation and understanding in the wake
of a troubling incident.
It was his second speech to students today.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is times like this
that can bring confusion, and resentment, and
emotions can run high." he said in a special
assembly this morning announcing the
restrictions. "However, it is also times like
this when the course of a school can be set. We
are at a crossroads to determine and set the
culture of our school. We must respond. You may
ask yourself, what can I do? I did not cause the
events of last Thursday. The culture of a school
is not defined by one act but rather the
hundreds of choices that we make every day. The
question in not only will I follow the
expectations of the school, but what do I expect
of myself. Will I get to class on time? If I see
someone being bullied or harassed will I say
something? If I see someone in the lunch line
taking food will I tell them to stop? Will I
study to get the grades I want? If I see someone
making choices that are harmful will I try to
help them?"
Effective Wednesday, no student at the high
school will remain on "lock down," confined to
campus for the school day. The removal of the
restriction was based not only on the advice of
attorneys, with full support of the board, but
in large part by how admirably the students have
responded to an injustice inflicted upon them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is our school,"
Gering concluded. "We must not and cannot allow
the choices of a few to be counted as the norm
for our school. We can use this week to set a
standard that these type of negative behaviors
will not be condoned or tolerated. From here we
will move forward with expectancy of a great
year.
"It is my goal to shift the focus to the
positive choices that are made by many of you
every day. We are putting in place a program to
recognize those without tardies, without office
referrals, and those who are keeping up their
grades. Thank you for your patience, and
understanding, and most of all your commitment
to make this school great. Thank you and go
Badgers!"
The school district and the Bonners Ferry Police
Department are working together to investigate
the latest hoax and identify the person
responsible. |
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