Guest Commentary | Ensuring safety while fostering an atmosphere of open dialogue
Dear Lee County Community,
I want to acknowledge that recent events involving student walkouts and protests concerning issues related to ICE and immigration policies have brought significant attention and emotion to our schools. We understand that these topics are deeply personal and can evoke strong feelings among students and families.
In line with directives from the Florida Department of Ed and our district leadership, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff while fostering an atmosphere of understanding and open dialogue.
The Superintendent and the State Commissioner of Ed have advised schools to carefully monitor situations, promote peaceful expression, and enforce clear policies against disruptions or activities that compromise safety. We encourage students to engage in constructive conversations and to express their views through appropriate and respectful channels, outside of a disruptive activity during school hours. We followed the Commissioner’s guidance throughout this situation, which allows students to gather in safe environments if it occurs during non-instructional time only. If it appeared that teachers were participating in the protests, they were supervising to ensure student safety and then guiding students back inside to class. Teachers found to be participating are subject to discipline. Students were only permitted to gather peacefully during non-instructional time in supervised, safe locations where we could ensure their safety. Anyone who protested during instructional time or engaged in any behavior that risked the safety of themselves or others is being disciplined in accordance with our Code of Conduct. Our schools exist for one primary purpose, which is education, so we must protect instructional time while recognizing students’ constitutional rights to free expression.
We will not tolerate behaviors that interfere with instruction or the safety of others, and our responsibility is to ensure every student can attend school in an environment that is orderly, respectful, and free of disruption. We remain committed to supporting our students’ right to free speech and participation in civic matters, while also prioritizing a positive and secure school educational environment.
As we work together to maintain a safe and positive school environment, we kindly ask for your support in guiding our students outside of school hours as well. Open conversations at home about the importance of responsibility, freedom of speech, respecting others, and understanding the role of law and order are vital in fostering respectful and thoughtful community members.
Encourage your children to express their opinions constructively and to appreciate the value of education and learning. We cannot do this without parents and our community partnering with us to create a safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environment for all students.
As we move into February, with only four months left of school, I wanted to take a moment to highlight exciting happenings within our community and school partnerships. There are a lot of exciting and good things happening in our schools now through June 1.
Starting with the 88th annual Edison Festival of Light events. A month-long Birthday celebration of Thomas Alva Edison, the Inventor. The Honor Band that will lead the Junior Parade and the Grand Parade is Mariner High School.
Feb. 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. STEMtastic — Day of Discovery is the first event of many. I am pleased to share that this event would not be possible without the partnership with The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc., and other community partners. This STEM event allows our students to have the wonderful opportunity to participate in STEMtastic – Day of Discovery, which is on Feb. 14 at downtown Fort Myers, Caloosa Sound Convention Center. Get ready to ignite your curiosity! STEMtastic – Day of Discovery is a premier celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math. It promises to be an inspiring experience.
The Edison Festival Jr. Parade is on Sunday, Feb. 15, with the Fun Run starting at noon. Lee County children are invited to participate in this wonderful parade.
Saturday night, Feb. 21, is the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade. This year’s Grand Marshal is Sammy Sirianni, Jr., and Honorary Grand Marshal, Tiara Brown, leading us from Fort Myers High School to downtown. Tiara Brown was born and raised in Fort Myers. A former police officer, elite athlete, and internationally recognized boxer, winning gold in China at the World Games and capturing the WBC Featherweight Championship title in 2012.
The Grand Marshal is our newly retired Sammy Sirianni Jr. Coach Sammy dedicated 40 Years to the Fort Myers High Football program, just like his father, Coach Sam, and his mother, Margaret Sirianni, the matriarch of the Football program, not to mention teacher, guidance counselor, dean, and Lee County School Board Member. Coach Sammy’s sister, Stephanie Sirianni, a retired FMHS teacher, picked up where her mom left off. She will be driving Coach Sammy in the parade. The Sirianni family dedicated their lives to the Fort Myers High School Football program. Come out and celebrate the Sirianni Family legacy. All-day festivities start with Crafts on the River in downtown Fort Myers, and a 5k run at 5 p.m. For more information about front row seating, go to Edisonfestival.org.
These events not only celebrate our local traditions but also encourage student involvement, creativity, and community engagement, values I hold dear.
There are so many other school events happening across Lee County schools. February 19-21st, Orange River Elementary has a musical production of Alice and Wonderland. Also, North Fort Myers High School has a musical production of Newsies on Feb. 20-22. This is just a small glimpse of what is happening in Lee County.
I want to thank you as a community for helping us raise children who will grow into productive and responsible members of society. It truly takes a village, and your involvement makes all the difference. Can we count on you?
Have a blessed day,
Melisa W. Giovannelli is a member of the School Board of Lee County. She represents District 2.