Schools

Westonka Superintendent Pens Letter to Community Regarding Harlem Shake Suspensions

Kevin Borg says Westonka School Board has authorized an outside investigation of the Feb. 22 events.

I want to update you on events related to the situation that took place Feb. 22 in the Mound Westonka High School lunchroom that resulted in several students being disciplined for disrupting the educational environment and compromising student safety. Whether or not you have a student at the high school, we are a small community—and as such, we all feel the impact of something so painful and so public. 

First, let me say how sorry I am for the pain this has caused on many levels—for our students, our staff and our community. We care deeply about all of our students, and this has been a heartbreaking week for all of us. 

Second, the School Board has authorized an outside investigation of the Feb. 22 events. According to School Board Chair Dave Botts, “The Westonka School Board is conducting a comprehensive review of the events surrounding last Friday's high school lunchroom incident. In order to give these events the thorough examination that is clearly warranted, it would be premature to set a completion date. This investigation is the top priority of the board and we will use these findings to determine what changes should be made.” 

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Related posts:

  • Mound Westonka Places Athletic Director on Leave Following 'Harlem Shake' Suspensions
  • National Coalition Against Censorship to Westonka: 'Don’t Shake Down Kids Over Harlem Shake'
  • Westonka Resident Seeks Answers from Superintendent About 'Harlem Shake' Suspensions
  • Wayzata High School Trojans Do Harlem Shake
  • VIDEO: Minnetonka Does the Harlem Shake

In addition, our administration is focusing on the school environment and is taking the first steps in reviewing our policy and procedures to maintain a safe learning environment. This review will focus on the supervision, timeline and process of decision-making. It is important for both school safety and a positive environment that school administrators establish and enforce clear rules and expectations. 

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Finally, I hope we can all remember the many wonderful things our students—from prekindergarten through grade 12—do every day. Our students routinely make us proud—whether in the classroom, on stage or on the athletic field.

A few recent high school highlights include:

  • The MWHS Wind Ensemble earned a Superior rating at the Region 2AA Large Group Contest on Feb. 25, which is the highest rating a group can receive.
  • This week, the high school held a Welcome Back assembly, recognizing the school’s first-ever girls hockey state tournament team. The assembly also served as a send-off for members of the boys swim and dive team and the seven wrestlers going to state.
  • DECA students look forward to competing in the state competition next week, and they anticipate success again this year.
  • Students have been hard at work preparing for the spring musical "Almost, Maine", which will be on stage in March. 

I am also proud to report that Mound Westonka High School was voted Best Public School in The Laker and The Pioneer’s Readers’ Choice Survey. Additionally, Westonka Public Schools recently received the coveted 2013 School Finance Award from the Minnesota Department of Education, which recognizes school organizations for sound financial management policies and procedures. 

While times like these are incredibly challenging, I remain proud of our students and staff, who give us many things to celebrate. You have my very best effort in restoring trust and confidence.

Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions, concerns or comments.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Kevin Borg


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