by Kirk Haley

OCS Principal

On March 14, 2018, the students at Orcas Christian School, like many schools across America, took time out of their day to remember the 17 students that were killed at the school in Florida. At 10 a.m., the students left class and met at the flag pole for 17 minutes of silence followed by 17 rings of the chapel bell, one for each student that lost their lives.

OCS students took the opportunity during the high school’s normal worship time to discuss issues that schools and students go through, like how lonely, disenfranchised students just one day snap and do horrible things to fellow classmates and teachers. They asked the question: How do we create a more inclusive school that meets the needs of every child?

They talked about the things that they see every week, the little things that do not seem like much but that are so encouraging to someone that is shy or uncertain about their role in life. The more accomplished basketball players inviting a younger or less accomplished player to play ball, then feeding him the ball and encouraging him to shoot and score. The older students taking time out of their day to spend it with the younger students. These are the things that not only change lives but could possibly save lives.

When our schools become places of caring and we learn to look out for the most vulnerable of our students, perhaps then we can put an end to the violence that has gripped our schools in the last few years.

On Friday, each student received 17 sticky notes: 14 were intended for students and three for faculty. The students put their notes on fellow student’s lockers and on teachers’ desks to show their care for each other. Each day let’s take the opportunity to notice those that are suffering or are having a bad day and encourage them.

When our schools become places of caring and we learn to look out for the most vulnerable of our students, perhaps then we can put an end to the violence that has gripped our schools in the last few years.