Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Dear Gloucester Teachers, Staff, Families and Community Members,
I am writing to you today regarding social media reports of a potential student walkout related to ICE and immigration policies, tentatively planned for Friday, February 20, during school hours. While we recognize that many students hold sincere beliefs and a genuine desire to protest issues close to their hearts, we must also acknowledge that divisive forces, both within and outside our community, seek to influence our youth. It appears that some of these events are being promoted by individuals who have not stepped forward or worked with the school administration. These external influences do not prioritize the safety or well-being of our students. At Gloucester County Public Schools, our focus remains steadfast: serving the people of Gloucester and tending to the needs of our students.
We understand your concerns. Most of the feedback from our community does not support holding a walkout during class time. Many students are also worried about being caught up in a protest they do not support while moving between classes, or that some might use the event as a reason to skip their schoolwork.
Student safety is my absolute priority. Our staff is responsible for every child’s well-being, but we cannot guarantee student safety once they leave the school building. Our students pass through weapon detectors every day to maintain a secure environment; leaving that protected space compromises their safety. To address these concerns, the school will develop specific plans and contingencies to keep students safe, regardless of their decisions.
Regarding law and policy, we follow the United States Supreme Court's standard set in Tinker v. Des Moines: students do not surrender their First Amendment rights at the school door. However, student expression is protected only as long as it does not cause a material and substantial disruption to school operations.
• Policy INB: We believe in training students for effective citizenship by allowing the study of teacher-assigned issues in a bias-free atmosphere. Indoctrination is not the purpose of our division.
• Policy GBG: School employees may not use school time or property for partisan political purposes or to further a political cause.
• Code of Conduct: Students cannot interfere with the school schedule. Walking out of class or the building is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
• Teachers are required by the Code of Virginia to maintain accurate attendance, and we will contact parents regarding any student who breaks school rules.
We respect our students' right to express their views and encourage them to do so through messages of peace and unity. To provide a safe venue for expression that does not disrupt the school schedule, students may use the auditorium during their scheduled lunch block to express their feelings. In this space, students are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue, draft messages of unity, or discuss their perspectives in a supervised, respectful environment. My door is always open to our students, as is the principal's door. I invite any student wishing to share their thoughts to meet with us directly.
I encourage you to speak with your children about these issues. We value open dialogue and the consideration of multiple perspectives, which are fundamental to an educated mind. Please engage with your students to understand their concerns and to discuss the importance of remaining in a safe, supervised environment. For your reference, our daily schedule is provided below:
Gloucester High School Bell Schedule
Time Activity
7:15 a.m. Bus Off-Loading Begins
7:35 a.m. Warning Bell
7:40 a.m. to 9:12 a.m. First Instructional Block (92 minutes)
9:17 a.m. to 10:49 a.m. Second Instructional Block (92 minutes)
10:54 a.m. to 1:03 p.m. Third Instructional Block and Lunches (129 minutes)
1:08 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. Fourth Instructional Block (92 minutes)
2:50 p.m. Buses Depart
Lunch Block Breakdown
1st Lunch (11:00 to 11:25): Rooms 320 to 355, Chorus, Theater, Cosmo
2nd Lunch (11:47 to 12:12): Rooms 101 to 141
3rd Lunch (12:34 to 1:03): Rooms 212 to 260, H&PE, Band
We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates and update contingency plans as needed.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Anthony Vladu
Superintendent
Gloucester County Public School
To view/download/print a PDF version of this letter, please click here.