Students at Barrington High School and Middle School have been invited to participate in special "walkout" ceremonies planned for Wednesday, March 14.

The local events are part of a nationwide effort to honor the 17 people killed in the Parkland, Fla. school shooting. Students at schools across the country are planning walkouts and other ceremonies.

At Barrington High School, administrators met with teachers and students and the school's resource officer and planned a special event.

"On March 14, students will be allowed to leave class and gather in a central location inside of the school," wrote Barrington High School Principal Joe Hurley in an email to local parents. "At this time, 18 student and staff volunteers will read a short bio of the 17 people who lost their lives in the Parkland, Florida shooting and light a candle in their memory. An 18th candle will be lit representing all others who have lost their lives over the years in school shootings. Banners with the pictures of those who lost their lives will be placed in the school for students and staff to sign during the remainder of the day."

Students who do not want to participate in the walkout will be allowed to remain in their classrooms and continue with their school work. 

"No students will be left unsupervised during this event. The estimated time students will be out of class is 30 minutes," wrote Mr. Hurley. 

At Barrington Middle School, students have been invited to participate in a peaceful demonstration of remembrance. According to an email that was sent to parents of middle school students, the demonstration will be held inside the school for safety reasons.

"It is important to consider that if we encouraged middle school students to exit the Barrington Middle School to one location, we would be placing the students in danger as a result of the construction project on our fields and limited space for students to meet and gather safely," wrote BMS Principal Dr. Andrew Anderson.

School officials are offering students a number of other ways they can participate — students can choose to remember the Parkland victims while watching a memorial video; or they write letters to elected officials; or sit quietly for a period of time. Students are also welcome to continue their academic work.