For Immediate Release

Friday, Feb. 16, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Statement of Andover Superintendent Sheldon Berman and High School Principal Philip Conrad

ANDOVER — Andover Schools Superintendent Sheldon Berman and High School Principal Philip Conrad issue the following joint statement to the public regarding a community discussion that took place today at Andover High School:

“This afternoon, a group of well over 100 students gathered in the cafeteria, with the support of administrators and faculty, to have an open discussion around the critical and troubling issue of gun violence in American schools.

“Earlier today, student leaders approached staff with their plan to leave their last class of the day in order to host this discussion. Staff members worked cooperatively with them to facilitate a peaceful and thoughtful conversation on how they were impacted by the shooting earlier this week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.

“I am proud of our students for their conscientious approach to this issue and for their desire to share their feelings and concerns in an open forum, and I sincerely hope that families will faciliate their students in similar conversations at home.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring that our students feel safe at school, that their voices are heard and taken seriously, and that they are actively involved in the school community. Today’s dialogue was an important part of achieving that mission.”

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