This letter from the Salamanca High School principal expresses condolences to the Parkland, Florida community following the school shooting tragedy on February 14th. It summarizes a school assembly held at Salamanca High School on March 14th to open communication between students and staff about preventing school violence and bullying. Students asked challenging questions that highlighted their real concerns. The principal challenged students and staff to compliment at least 14 students and 3 staff members daily, and to support those sitting alone or being bullied by walking up to them with understanding. Students and staff signed a pledge poster to end school violence and bullying, and the posters were enclosed with the letter.

1. SALAMANCA
CITY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent for Academics Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Director of Pupil
Services
Robert J. Breidenstein Dr. Mark D. Beehler Karen S. Magara Kristin Dudek
716-945-2403 716-945-2400 Ext. 6128 716-945-2400 Ext. 4018 716-945-5142
Where Learners Become Leaders
Main Campus Prospect Elementary School
Seneca Intermediate 716-945-5140 300 Prospect Avenue
High School 716-945-2404 Salamanca, New York 14779
District Offices 716-945-2403 716-945-5170
50 Iroquois Dr.
Salamanca, New York 14779
Website www.salamancany.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/SalamancaWarriors
March 15, 2018
Dear Students, Staff, Parents and the Community of Parkland, Florida,
We the Salamanca High School wanted to express our sincere apologies and heartfelt sympathy for the
tragedy that you suffered on February 14th
. We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and
prayers.
Yesterday, March 14th
, we held a school wide assembly to open communication between students and
staff. We are all in this together and we focused on being positive with one another and taking a
proactive approach to prevent school violence and bullying. As part of the assembly, we opened up a
question and answer period with our student body and our SRO’s. There were a number of students that
showed a lot of emotion and frustration with their questions and that opened our eyes as adults as to the
very real concerns our students have.
At the end of our assembly, I challenged our students and staff alike to compliment, a minimum of 14
students and 3 staff. The challenge was not just for today, but for each and every day. I challenged
them to walk up instead of walk out. I challenged them to walk up to those students who sit alone, to
walk up to those that may be being picked on or bullied, to walk up to someone who has different views
than themselves and seek first to understand then to be understood.
We created a pledge poster that students and staff were encouraged to sign. They were pledging to do
their part to end school violence and bullying. We have enclosed the posters to show our respect and
pay tribute to the victims and your school community.
Again, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Christopher Siebert
Salamanca High School Principal
…and I am a Warrior