“A Day of Service and Love” was created in 2019 by a committee of students, teachers and other contributors as a way to honor the victims of the Feb. 14 tragedy.

Feb. 12 will be a non-academic day for students and staff, with students being dismissed at 11:00 a.m. Teachers are not required to supervise on this day.

“I want all of our students to know how much they are loved and cared about by so many members of this faculty and staff,” Principal Michelle Kefford said. “We want our students to spend the 12th, the day we are honoring the victims of the tragedy, as well as the 14th, the actual date the tragedy occurred three years ago, in a way that feels most meaningful and comfortable to them. We are here to support them in any way that they need us to.”

For the third anniversary, MSD has organized numerous community service projects to partake in while abiding to COVID-19 safety guidelines, like mask usage. The projects include maintaining Marjory’s Garden and improving the campus with campus beautification. Other options consist of a “drive-through” Feeding Our First Responders breakfast where students and staff will hand out breakfast to the local first responders and a Mindful Morning with the MSD Mind-Body Ambassador Club.

“I’m planning on going to the garden for the day of service,” senior Fabian Cazorla said. “Every year for the anniversary, I go to the garden so I keep up with it. Being around friends during those times really helps me find closure.”

 A fifth option for students is the choice to be excused. With a variety of choices, only those willing to come to campus will participate in the activities. The day will begin at 7:40 a.m., though it is recommended to come earlier, and will end at 11 a.m.

“I plan to participate in the campus beautification because I want to help improve the aesthetics of the campus,” freshman Lilly Shortz said. “I hope to help the campus and community on the day of service.”

At 10:17 a.m., the Broward County district will observe a moment of reflection in honor of the 17 lives lost and those that were injured on Feb. 14, 2018.

In addition to MSD, J.P. Taravella High School, Coral Springs High School and Coral Glades High School will engage in “A Day of Service and Love” activities on the same Friday. All schools besides MSD will continue to follow their normal bell schedules.

From Monday, Feb. 8 to Friday, Feb. 12, schools across the district will also take part in “A Day of Service and Love” activities leading up to Sunday, Feb. 14, when the City of Parkland plans to hold an interfaith event at Pine Trails Park. Additionally, Eagles’ Haven will provide virtual services such as Mindful Meditation on their website.

“I will be participating in the Day of Service and Love and will visit the park on [Feb. 14] as a way to honor the victims of the tragedy and to support the MSD community,” Kefford said.

For MSD students, a Microsoft intention form is to be completed by Jan. 15. By filling out the form, students can select one of the options provided to indicate how they will spend Feb. 12.