Because they'll be on spring break during an upcoming national walkout, students from a number of schools in Fort Collins walked out of class on Tuesday around lunchtime in response to the Valentine's Day school shooting in Florida.
The students walked to Old Town Square to protest gun violence in schools.
They observed 17 minutes of silence in honor of the 14 students and three adults killed in Florida.
Some said the gathering was about students having a right to be safe in school and urging adults to make a change.
A national school walkout is planned for March 14.
For the first time since the shooting in Parkland, Florida two weeks ago students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are set to return to class on Wednesday.
"Students have the right to be safe at school. We want stricter and more effective gun laws, and it is time to show our representatives," the event Facebook page said. "We are not willing to wait. We are demanding change. Make your voice heard."
Poudre High School Principal Kathy Mackay and Fort Collins High School Principal Mark Eversole sent parents emails saying that the Florida school shooting earlier this month "has had a significant impact" on students across the nation.
"In a time of crisis, most people want to do SOMETHING to make a difference," Mackay's email stated.
Read more from out partner at the Fort Collins Coloradoan: http://noconow.co/2otrpxs
