Here is the response we received from Principal McMeekin:

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out with a detailed, data driven presentation.  I appreciate the time and effort that it took to put this together.  I also appreciate the potential negative impact this type of program can have on students and families, especially as we have come through so much trauma as a society.

The Every Fifteen Minutes program (EFM) is something that WCHS has implemented on a four-year cycle since years before I started my tenure here (this will be my fourteenth year at the site - this was my fourth EFM experience and my first as principal).  This program is planned for a significant amount of time in advance of the event with students and staff performing the bulk of the labor.  While each cycle, we have had new students be the leaders in the planning, there is a consistent staff member who works closely with the students and with community partners to make the event what it is.

In respect to terminating the program and guaranteeing that it will not return to WCHS, that is not a step we will take at this time.  

In respect to how and when the program is communicated to families, is a topic that will be part of the conversation in the next planning cycle.  I have shared this with the staff member who is most responsible for the program and will be an important aspect of the planning process to ensure that families do not feel blindsided by this program.  

I am happy to meet with any parent or group of parents who would like to share their experience or viewpoint, however, I will also look to have input three years from now when we begin planning for the next event.  Anyone who is the parent of a current ninth grader, will have a senior when we begin the planning process.  At that time, it will be essential to connect regardless of what we do at this time.  

If there are parents who want to ensure they are part of this conversation in three years, please let me know.  I can either connect with parents individually (I have a folder set up to keep track of all who have already contacted me) or I can take a list.  

Please reach out with any follow up questions.

Thank you,
John McMeekin
Principal
West Campus High School