Dear Editor:

We would like to shed light on the current situation at PV for our community who has voiced concern and confusion about what’s going on – especially people outside of our community who don’t know our student population well, or at all.

The fact is that the current issue on intolerance at PV is not just limited to our school’s walls – it is a prevalent and rampant issue throughout our state, country, and world. We think the #PeaceInPV campaign, discussion, and support should not be seen as a negative entity of PV, but rather a positive one – it shows how our school can come together to support what is right, as well as have intelligent and positive discourse about issues that plague all schools. Pascack Valley is so special because of the rapport we have with our teachers. As students, we all know and feel confident that when difficult discussions are needed for the safety and happiness of all, our classrooms are an open and comfortable forum to do so.

We strongly believe that as a school, we have always been working towards a respectful, positive, and welcoming climate, but when we fall short, we are willing to acknowledge that more growth is needed. Thus, it is clear that we will continue to do what we have always proudly done, which is to work to improve our school environment, and bring this change out into the real world, where it is most definitely needed. Hopefully, other high schools will take our lead, as this is NOT just a PV problem. We all must work together to continuously become a more tolerant society.

Moreover, a small minority of students should not dampen the great legacy, tradition, and reputation of Pascack Valley as a whole. It is clear to us that the vast majority of students are proud of our school, upset by recent events, and show a continuing willingness to work together to make PV an even better place.

Thank you,

Jennifer Schneider and Stella Kovoros