Hello everyone. I want to start out by thanking you all so much for your support and willingness to speak up. Your comments and signatures are beyond meaningful.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, December 15), we will be holding a ribbon demonstration day. Students who would like to show their support for virtual learning and a coherent safety plan from the school are encouraged to attach a red piece of fabric to their backpack or clothing. I will be bringing several into school and will make sure any student who would like a ribbon is able to get one. 

With the school's measures of adding police presence, it is vital that we look into whether this step is actually helpful. A recent study found that "armed guards were not associated with significant reduction in rates of injuries; in fact, controlling for the aforementioned factors of location and school characteristics, the rate of deaths was 2.83 times greater in schools with an armed guard present" (Peterson, Densley, et al). A Center for Public Integrity analysis of U.S. Department of Education data found that school policing disproportionately affects students with disabilities and students of color. If Barrington High School wants to truly address this problem, it will take more than just superficial measures that negatively affect many students.

Finally, I would like to emphasize how important it is for owners of firearms to make sure these weapons are accounted for and safely locked away. Safe storage is a key way that parents can help protect their children.