Loudoun Schools, Police Reassure Parents After FL School Shooting

ASHBURN, VA — To reassure parents, students and faculty, the Loudoun County Public Schools and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) issued a joint statement about their efforts to keep students safe in the wake of last week's tragic mass shooting at a high school in Florida. They also emphasized the importance of the school system's “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign, urging everyone to report suspicious activity.

"We join the nation in mourning the loss of 17 innocent lives, three adults and 14 children, who were senselessly murdered at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School," the statement reads. "As parents, educators and public safety officials, we find it difficult to comprehend such a catastrophic event."

Since last week, the Sheriff’s Office has stepped up patrols around Loudoun County schools, "and its school resource officers and detectives work diligently with school administrative and security staff to identify any potential areas of concern," the statement adds.

The LCPS is "vigilant and proactive" in protecting school and staff, but it urges parents, employees and students to report threats or suspicious activities. The school system also reminded the public that it follows these safety procedures:

• The LCSO and the Leesburg Police Department have armed school resource officers (SROs) assigned to each middle and high school. Additionally, there are armed D.A.R.E. officers that have a part-time presence in elementary schools.
• School-based security staff are assigned to each high school to provide additional security coverage.
• All LCPS schools have strict visitor controls, including electronic door access technology. Visitors are required to show a valid ID and be processed through the Visitor Management System.
• All school employees are trained and have access to the school’s Emergency Response Plan at all times.
• LCPS, LCSO and local police departments conduct on-going threat assessments.
• LCPS conducts lockdown drills.
• Students and staff have been taught active reporting — “If You See Something, Say Something.” Schools provide school-wide behavioral expectations, positive interventions and supports, psychological and counseling services, as well as bullying programs and conflict mediation.

"Passing this information to school and/or law enforcement authorities will enable investigators to determine the validity of the information, help minimize the spread of false information and allow for an appropriate follow up."

The joint statement adds:

"For immediate assistance in reporting a suspected school threat, you should call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 703-777-1021 or dial 911. Suspected threats include obvious, known suspicious and/or threatening social media activity.

"You also may call 877-482-8477, the phone number for the Fusion Center. This is a collaborative effort of state and federal agencies working with local partners to identify, detect, prevent and respond to terrorist and criminal activity.

"It’s important for you to know help is available through our schools. If you are concerned about your child or feel he or she needs additional support, and you would like to speak with a social worker or counselor, please contact your school’s principal or assistant principal.

"Loudoun County Public Schools work in close coordination with our law enforcement partners. The safety of our students and employees is our Number One priority."

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