UPDATED 01/28/20 @ 10:41 AM
A 12-year-old student and a parent were both cited at a planned School protest and walkout at La Contenta Middle School this morning. According to the Sheriff’s Department, parents and students of La Contenta Middle School, in Yucca Valley, participated in a protest and school walk out regarding school safety. Sheriff’s Deputies and officers from the California Highway Patrol were on scene to ensure safety of all participants.
During the walk out, a 12-year-old student pulled the fire alarm, which triggered a fire evacuation for all students, even those not participating in the walk out. After investigation, deputies identified the responsible student who was cited for triggering a false fire alarm. The student’s parent was also issued a citation for parental responsibility.
The Sheriff’s Department would like to thank the participating parents for obeying all vehicle and penal codes, and for peacefully protesting on the sidewalk.
Parents and students at La Contenta Middle School are planning to walk out of class today. Parents say the walk-out is in response to safety concerns and to an increase in fights on campus. Principal Kelly Daly said, “The school has implemented a campus wide plan for Tuesday’s 1st period curriculum that will encourage students to stay in class. The curriculum will include a focus on students voicing their concerns and sharing solutions regarding school safety.” She added that students who choose to walk out of their class will all be directed to a safe campus location. There they will be allowed 30 min to participate in their peaceful walk-out. Superintendent Tom Baumgarten said, “No students will be permitted to leave the campus premises without their guardian present and signing them out of school.” Parents plan to protest outside the school before and after classes start and at the school board meeting tonight at Twentynine Palms High School.
