Students in Alexandria City middle and high schools will be screened for weapons starting next week, according to a school system announcement.
The pilot program will start operating at Alexandria City High School Monday morning and roll out to other schools during the week.
The school system had surveyed parents, students and community members earlier this year on whether weapons detection technology should be used or not. The strong majority of respondents supported use of the equipment in all or some schools.
"The equipment has sensors to identify and detect weapons such as guns, items with metallic weapon signatures, and improvised explosive devices. The equipment can distinguish between everyday items, such as cell phones and metal water bottles allowing students, teachers and staff to move through the weapons screening process without stopping," ACPS explained. More information about the system is available here.
Here's the complete email to parents from Alexandria City Public Schools officials:
We want to inform you that the weapons screening pilot program approved by the School Board at its March 16, 2023, meeting is scheduled to begin next week at your student’s school. The implementation of this pilot program was approved for secondary locations within Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), not including K-8 schools. Here are a few additional details regarding the program:
All students and visitors will be required to complete the screening process every day. The screening process includes the student and/or visitor proceeding through the screening equipment. Chromebooks/laptops may need to be removed from backpacks/belongings as part of the process.
As it relates to student screening, one of two outcomes will occur from the screening process:
No alert- student continues on to student ID check process or goes to their classroom/assigned location within the school building.
Alert- student reports to secondary screening location for additional search.
If no weapon and/or prohibited material is found (such as a controlled substance), the student will be allowed to continue on to the ID check process.
If a weapon and/or prohibited material (such as a controlled substance) is found, the appropriate disciplinary and/or criminal response will occur. Administration will notify families accordingly of any disciplinary and/or criminal response involving their student.
A dedicated link on the Safety and Security Services webpage (located here) has information specific to weapons screening equipment, screening process and frequently asked questions (FAQs). Please know that the process may change throughout the pilot to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the program. Major changes and updates will be communicated and posted on the webpage.
Our desire is to make this adjustment as easy as possible for students. Maintaining a safe school environment allows for our students to receive quality instruction, which is the goal of any safety strategy that is implemented. Please know that the primary objective of weapons screening is to deter and prevent weapons from entering school facilities. In an effort to support this safety endeavor, we ask for your continued partnership in speaking with your students about the danger of weapons and the importance of not bringing weapons onto school property, to include potential consequences if they are found with a weapon on their person.
Respectfully,
Dr. Alicia Hart
Chief of Facilities and Operations
Weapons Screening Pilot, Launch Dates
Monday, May 15
ACHS King Street Campus
Tuesday, May 16
ACHS Minnie Howard Campus
Wednesday, May 17
George Washington Middle School
Thursday, May 18
Francis C. Hammond Middle School
Monday, May 22
ACHS Chance for Change Campus
*Dates are subject to change
