High school campus reopened |
| 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. |