Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 14:56     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think FCPS and the board really need to think about their policies and actions in the current school environment rather than sending out so many emails about the budget and saving programs. They have spent so much money and the results we have are lower test scores, boundary disputes, violence in schools, students being uncomfortable with kids in bathrooms, teachers leaving, not enough bus drivers or staff…I could go on. I understand that this is one of the largest school systems in the country and with that will come certain aspects that are more difficult to work out. But I am so sick of FCPS trying to say all the “correct” political things and our school system being a mess. The fact that gatehouse gets paid what they do and we have teachers and SROs in the thick of violence or working with tough situations on a daily basis for their far lower salaries than gatehouse makes me sick. When I send my kids to school, I expect that the adults in charge have some sort of conscience to do the right thing and help out kids. I’m not saying to get physically involved if they aren’t comfortable, but to do more. After all, doesn’t FCPS tell the kids to do something and say something if they see something? I’m glad that one of the high school boys was able to hold back the stabber. He put himself in harms way and possibly prevented more consequences. And these poor parents who were trying to get their kids out and Reid refused as if she knew what was better for them, it’s sickening. A parent knows their kid and when the kid wants out of the school after seeing something like this and a parents has their credentials, Reid should NOT
hold them hostage. I’m sure she will come out with a speech saying she made a mistake about this and think all is fine. It’s not. Reid and the board really need a moment of self reflection so they can provide an educational and safe learning environment. Families are fed up in so many ways and I feel like the board just keeps ignoring them. I know I went off tangent but the conversation about weather or not someone should have gotten involved in the fight is one of personal choice. FCPS has told teachers what they can and can not do and I’m not sure that’s right. An individual should be able to decide on their own if they want to help save a life or not. An FCPS policy shouldn’t stop or encourage that person from making that choice. What if that kid was related to a board member? What would they want done? As a parent of FCPS kids, I don’t feel that I can trust the adults at FCPS to help or protect my kids if it were needed.


I agree. FCPS is failing to keep our kids safe. They’re neglecting school safety and it’s criminal. Why are they spending so much money on all of these electives, language immersion programs, all kinds of fancy things. They’re neglecting the basics of student safety. They need a metal detector at all middle school and high school. They need tons more security guards and resource officer so that bathrooms are guarded and cafeteria are safe especially at middle and high schools. More counselors. Tools to detect vaping and drugs. Software that blocks social media from school devices. If kids aren’t safe from violence and bullying, and they’re scared in their learning environment, they can’t learn and thrive. FCPD is wasting money on all the wrong things and failing to keep students safe. They say that school safety is a priority, abd clearly it is not. They are denying children a safe learning environment. They’re denying children of basic rights. The people whose children are hurt and damaged should sue.

Does anyone know how to sue or take legal action against unsafe school environments that lack supervision and are filled with fights and vaping and drugs?


I share your concern but this is not the way to keep well behaved kids who are focused on academics in public schools. FCPS and every other district needs to revisit their policies on how they're handling the small minority of kids who repeatedly cause problems.


Agree, stop pandering to the trouble makers. Put them in alternative education settings. If they learn to behave properly return them to public schools. If not that is why prisons exist, as a place to house those that cannot peacefully coexist in society.


The capacity for alternative settings is low, and it’s very hard to place students there for legal reasons. Making public schools safe from violence and drugs should be the priority. You’re in a bit of denial if you think this isn’t happening as much as you realize, or that your child could be affected.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 14:30     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think FCPS and the board really need to think about their policies and actions in the current school environment rather than sending out so many emails about the budget and saving programs. They have spent so much money and the results we have are lower test scores, boundary disputes, violence in schools, students being uncomfortable with kids in bathrooms, teachers leaving, not enough bus drivers or staff…I could go on. I understand that this is one of the largest school systems in the country and with that will come certain aspects that are more difficult to work out. But I am so sick of FCPS trying to say all the “correct” political things and our school system being a mess. The fact that gatehouse gets paid what they do and we have teachers and SROs in the thick of violence or working with tough situations on a daily basis for their far lower salaries than gatehouse makes me sick. When I send my kids to school, I expect that the adults in charge have some sort of conscience to do the right thing and help out kids. I’m not saying to get physically involved if they aren’t comfortable, but to do more. After all, doesn’t FCPS tell the kids to do something and say something if they see something? I’m glad that one of the high school boys was able to hold back the stabber. He put himself in harms way and possibly prevented more consequences. And these poor parents who were trying to get their kids out and Reid refused as if she knew what was better for them, it’s sickening. A parent knows their kid and when the kid wants out of the school after seeing something like this and a parents has their credentials, Reid should NOT
hold them hostage. I’m sure she will come out with a speech saying she made a mistake about this and think all is fine. It’s not. Reid and the board really need a moment of self reflection so they can provide an educational and safe learning environment. Families are fed up in so many ways and I feel like the board just keeps ignoring them. I know I went off tangent but the conversation about weather or not someone should have gotten involved in the fight is one of personal choice. FCPS has told teachers what they can and can not do and I’m not sure that’s right. An individual should be able to decide on their own if they want to help save a life or not. An FCPS policy shouldn’t stop or encourage that person from making that choice. What if that kid was related to a board member? What would they want done? As a parent of FCPS kids, I don’t feel that I can trust the adults at FCPS to help or protect my kids if it were needed.


I agree. FCPS is failing to keep our kids safe. They’re neglecting school safety and it’s criminal. Why are they spending so much money on all of these electives, language immersion programs, all kinds of fancy things. They’re neglecting the basics of student safety. They need a metal detector at all middle school and high school. They need tons more security guards and resource officer so that bathrooms are guarded and cafeteria are safe especially at middle and high schools. More counselors. Tools to detect vaping and drugs. Software that blocks social media from school devices. If kids aren’t safe from violence and bullying, and they’re scared in their learning environment, they can’t learn and thrive. FCPD is wasting money on all the wrong things and failing to keep students safe. They say that school safety is a priority, abd clearly it is not. They are denying children a safe learning environment. They’re denying children of basic rights. The people whose children are hurt and damaged should sue.

Does anyone know how to sue or take legal action against unsafe school environments that lack supervision and are filled with fights and vaping and drugs?


I share your concern but this is not the way to keep well behaved kids who are focused on academics in public schools. FCPS and every other district needs to revisit their policies on how they're handling the small minority of kids who repeatedly cause problems.


Also, what school are your children at? These problems are much worse at certain schools and admin does not address or report issues. So just because you think”it’s fine” or a “small minority of kids” doesn’t mean that is accurate. There are ALOT of kids vaping and fighting in region 4 large schools.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 14:10     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think FCPS and the board really need to think about their policies and actions in the current school environment rather than sending out so many emails about the budget and saving programs. They have spent so much money and the results we have are lower test scores, boundary disputes, violence in schools, students being uncomfortable with kids in bathrooms, teachers leaving, not enough bus drivers or staff…I could go on. I understand that this is one of the largest school systems in the country and with that will come certain aspects that are more difficult to work out. But I am so sick of FCPS trying to say all the “correct” political things and our school system being a mess. The fact that gatehouse gets paid what they do and we have teachers and SROs in the thick of violence or working with tough situations on a daily basis for their far lower salaries than gatehouse makes me sick. When I send my kids to school, I expect that the adults in charge have some sort of conscience to do the right thing and help out kids. I’m not saying to get physically involved if they aren’t comfortable, but to do more. After all, doesn’t FCPS tell the kids to do something and say something if they see something? I’m glad that one of the high school boys was able to hold back the stabber. He put himself in harms way and possibly prevented more consequences. And these poor parents who were trying to get their kids out and Reid refused as if she knew what was better for them, it’s sickening. A parent knows their kid and when the kid wants out of the school after seeing something like this and a parents has their credentials, Reid should NOT
hold them hostage. I’m sure she will come out with a speech saying she made a mistake about this and think all is fine. It’s not. Reid and the board really need a moment of self reflection so they can provide an educational and safe learning environment. Families are fed up in so many ways and I feel like the board just keeps ignoring them. I know I went off tangent but the conversation about weather or not someone should have gotten involved in the fight is one of personal choice. FCPS has told teachers what they can and can not do and I’m not sure that’s right. An individual should be able to decide on their own if they want to help save a life or not. An FCPS policy shouldn’t stop or encourage that person from making that choice. What if that kid was related to a board member? What would they want done? As a parent of FCPS kids, I don’t feel that I can trust the adults at FCPS to help or protect my kids if it were needed.


I agree. FCPS is failing to keep our kids safe. They’re neglecting school safety and it’s criminal. Why are they spending so much money on all of these electives, language immersion programs, all kinds of fancy things. They’re neglecting the basics of student safety. They need a metal detector at all middle school and high school. They need tons more security guards and resource officer so that bathrooms are guarded and cafeteria are safe especially at middle and high schools. More counselors. Tools to detect vaping and drugs. Software that blocks social media from school devices. If kids aren’t safe from violence and bullying, and they’re scared in their learning environment, they can’t learn and thrive. FCPD is wasting money on all the wrong things and failing to keep students safe. They say that school safety is a priority, abd clearly it is not. They are denying children a safe learning environment. They’re denying children of basic rights. The people whose children are hurt and damaged should sue.

Does anyone know how to sue or take legal action against unsafe school environments that lack supervision and are filled with fights and vaping and drugs?


I share your concern but this is not the way to keep well behaved kids who are focused on academics in public schools. FCPS and every other district needs to revisit their policies on how they're handling the small minority of kids who repeatedly cause problems.


It’s NOT a small minority. I think it’s 20-30% of a grade who is calling and doing drugs and involved in fights at these middle and high schools, even in “nice” pyramid. You’re fooling yourself because so far your children have been fine. It’s just simply not the reality of the schools.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 12:37     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Edited version from previous post:
It’s about time we acknowledge and address the big elephant in the room:

“Restorative justice is a core component of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Restorative practices focus on building relationships, promoting understanding, and addressing harm in a way that aligns with DEI goals of creating inclusive and equitable environments.

Through DEI focus on equity, restorative justice prioritizes addressing power imbalances and systemic inequities by ensuring that all voices are heard and that harm is repaired in a way that promotes fairness and justice.”

Apparently, FCPS embraced in full the concept of restorative justice by allowing students to get away with acts that in the past would have faced disciplinary actions. In fact, they even proudly announced that they would oppose law enforcement (ICE) to come after students involved in gang activity, even though drug overdosing has increased dramatically, and there have been cases of human trafficking and rape in FCPS schools.

Once FCPS moves away from DEI completely, productivity, discipline and order will be restored in our schools. In the meanwhile, the amount of money saved by getting rid of the FCPS DEI department altogether can be repurposed for the installation of metal detectors, hire additional monitors, and increase security personnel for our schools. Additionally, let’s get rid of the Fairfax sanctuary status for criminals that need to be removed, and demand that local law enforcement and the court system do their job. No need to further increase taxes on the hardworking residents to cover for this. 

What restorative justice means, and how it translates into institutions:

https://theequityequationllc.com/2023/01/10/restorative-justice/
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 12:10     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:Let’s begin by acknowledging and addressing the big elephant in the room:

Restorative justice is a core component of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Restorative practices focus on building relationships, promoting understanding, and addressing harm in a way that aligns with DEI goals of creating inclusive and equitable environments.

Through DEI focus on equity, restorative justice prioritizes addressing power imbalances and systemic inequities by ensuring that all voices are heard and that harm is repaired in a way that promotes fairness and justice. 

Apparently, FCPS embraced in full the concept of restorative justice by allowing students to get away with acts that in the past would faced disciplinary actions. In fact, they even proudly announced that they would oppose law enforcement (ICE) to come after students involved in gang activity, even though drug overdose has increased dramatically, and human trafficking and rape have been present in FCPS schools.

Once FCPS moves away from their DEI completely, discipline and order will be restored in our schools. In the meantime, the amount of money saved by getting rid of the FCPS DEI department altogether can be used for installing metal detectors, hire additional security personnel for our schools. Additionally, let’s get rid of Fairfax sanctuary status for criminals that need to be removed. No need to increase taxes to the hardworking residents to cover for this. 

What restorative justice means and how it translates into institutions:

https://theequityequationllc.com/2023/01/10/restorative-justice/


Yet another reason to get rid of DEI.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 12:08     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:Let’s begin by acknowledging and addressing the big elephant in the room:

Restorative justice is a core component of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Restorative practices focus on building relationships, promoting understanding, and addressing harm in a way that aligns with DEI goals of creating inclusive and equitable environments.

Through DEI focus on equity, restorative justice prioritizes addressing power imbalances and systemic inequities by ensuring that all voices are heard and that harm is repaired in a way that promotes fairness and justice. 

Apparently, FCPS embraced in full the concept of restorative justice by allowing students to get away with acts that in the past would faced disciplinary actions. In fact, they even proudly announced that they would oppose law enforcement (ICE) to come after students involved in gang activity, even though drug overdose has increased dramatically, and human trafficking and rape have been present in FCPS schools.

Once FCPS moves away from their DEI completely, discipline and order will be restored in our schools. In the meantime, the amount of money saved by getting rid of the FCPS DEI department altogether can be used for installing metal detectors, hire additional security personnel for our schools. Additionally, let’s get rid of Fairfax sanctuary status for criminals that need to be removed. No need to increase taxes to the hardworking residents to cover for this. 

What restorative justice means and how it translates into institutions:

https://theequityequationllc.com/2023/01/10/restorative-justice/


+1
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 11:11     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Let’s begin by acknowledging and addressing the big elephant in the room:

Restorative justice is a core component of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Restorative practices focus on building relationships, promoting understanding, and addressing harm in a way that aligns with DEI goals of creating inclusive and equitable environments.

Through DEI focus on equity, restorative justice prioritizes addressing power imbalances and systemic inequities by ensuring that all voices are heard and that harm is repaired in a way that promotes fairness and justice. 

Apparently, FCPS embraced in full the concept of restorative justice by allowing students to get away with acts that in the past would faced disciplinary actions. In fact, they even proudly announced that they would oppose law enforcement (ICE) to come after students involved in gang activity, even though drug overdose has increased dramatically, and human trafficking and rape have been present in FCPS schools.

Once FCPS moves away from their DEI completely, discipline and order will be restored in our schools. In the meantime, the amount of money saved by getting rid of the FCPS DEI department altogether can be used for installing metal detectors, hire additional security personnel for our schools. Additionally, let’s get rid of Fairfax sanctuary status for criminals that need to be removed. No need to increase taxes to the hardworking residents to cover for this. 

What restorative justice means and how it translates into institutions:

https://theequityequationllc.com/2023/01/10/restorative-justice/
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 10:56     Subject: Re:West Potomac HS situation
I agree. FCPS is failing to keep our kids safe. They’re neglecting school safety and it’s criminal. Why are they spending so much money on all of these electives, language immersion programs, all kinds of fancy things. They’re neglecting the basics of student safety. They need a metal detector at all middle school and high school. They need tons more security guards and resource officer so that bathrooms are guarded and cafeteria are safe especially at middle and high schools. More counselors. Tools to detect vaping and drugs. Software that blocks social media from school devices. If kids aren’t safe from violence and bullying, and they’re scared in their learning environment, they can’t learn and thrive. FCPD is wasting money on all the wrong things and failing to keep students safe. They say that school safety is a priority, abd clearly it is not. They are denying children a safe learning environment. They’re denying children of basic rights. The people whose children are hurt and damaged should sue.

You've pretty much described a prison.

I agree it is a problem. Fights in high schools have always been problems. However, the kids used to wait until after school.

I think most of us like the "idea" of "restorative justice." Unfortunately, it does not seem to be working.

When a child in elementary school throws a tantrum that requires moving the rest of the children out --to avoid "exclusion" that is a problem. If a child cannot function in a classroom on a regular basis, other options need to be put in place.
When a child in elementary school physically attacks another, serious steps need to be taken. Instead, he goes to the office and writes a paper about why he should not have done it and won't do it again.

This is when standards need to be set--not waiting until high school.

It is very difficult to teach when you do not have order. Order won't be restored by metal detectors. As for guarding all restrooms--that is a pipe dream. I am am likely much older than most of you (former teacher here). When I was in high school smoking in bathrooms was a problem. We do need teachers walking in the bathrooms on a regular basis, but "guarded?"

Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 09:55     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think FCPS and the board really need to think about their policies and actions in the current school environment rather than sending out so many emails about the budget and saving programs. They have spent so much money and the results we have are lower test scores, boundary disputes, violence in schools, students being uncomfortable with kids in bathrooms, teachers leaving, not enough bus drivers or staff…I could go on. I understand that this is one of the largest school systems in the country and with that will come certain aspects that are more difficult to work out. But I am so sick of FCPS trying to say all the “correct” political things and our school system being a mess. The fact that gatehouse gets paid what they do and we have teachers and SROs in the thick of violence or working with tough situations on a daily basis for their far lower salaries than gatehouse makes me sick. When I send my kids to school, I expect that the adults in charge have some sort of conscience to do the right thing and help out kids. I’m not saying to get physically involved if they aren’t comfortable, but to do more. After all, doesn’t FCPS tell the kids to do something and say something if they see something? I’m glad that one of the high school boys was able to hold back the stabber. He put himself in harms way and possibly prevented more consequences. And these poor parents who were trying to get their kids out and Reid refused as if she knew what was better for them, it’s sickening. A parent knows their kid and when the kid wants out of the school after seeing something like this and a parents has their credentials, Reid should NOT
hold them hostage. I’m sure she will come out with a speech saying she made a mistake about this and think all is fine. It’s not. Reid and the board really need a moment of self reflection so they can provide an educational and safe learning environment. Families are fed up in so many ways and I feel like the board just keeps ignoring them. I know I went off tangent but the conversation about weather or not someone should have gotten involved in the fight is one of personal choice. FCPS has told teachers what they can and can not do and I’m not sure that’s right. An individual should be able to decide on their own if they want to help save a life or not. An FCPS policy shouldn’t stop or encourage that person from making that choice. What if that kid was related to a board member? What would they want done? As a parent of FCPS kids, I don’t feel that I can trust the adults at FCPS to help or protect my kids if it were needed.


I agree. FCPS is failing to keep our kids safe. They’re neglecting school safety and it’s criminal. Why are they spending so much money on all of these electives, language immersion programs, all kinds of fancy things. They’re neglecting the basics of student safety. They need a metal detector at all middle school and high school. They need tons more security guards and resource officer so that bathrooms are guarded and cafeteria are safe especially at middle and high schools. More counselors. Tools to detect vaping and drugs. Software that blocks social media from school devices. If kids aren’t safe from violence and bullying, and they’re scared in their learning environment, they can’t learn and thrive. FCPD is wasting money on all the wrong things and failing to keep students safe. They say that school safety is a priority, abd clearly it is not. They are denying children a safe learning environment. They’re denying children of basic rights. The people whose children are hurt and damaged should sue.

Does anyone know how to sue or take legal action against unsafe school environments that lack supervision and are filled with fights and vaping and drugs?


I share your concern but this is not the way to keep well behaved kids who are focused on academics in public schools. FCPS and every other district needs to revisit their policies on how they're handling the small minority of kids who repeatedly cause problems.


Agree, stop pandering to the trouble makers. Put them in alternative education settings. If they learn to behave properly return them to public schools. If not that is why prisons exist, as a place to house those that cannot peacefully coexist in society.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 09:32     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think FCPS and the board really need to think about their policies and actions in the current school environment rather than sending out so many emails about the budget and saving programs. They have spent so much money and the results we have are lower test scores, boundary disputes, violence in schools, students being uncomfortable with kids in bathrooms, teachers leaving, not enough bus drivers or staff…I could go on. I understand that this is one of the largest school systems in the country and with that will come certain aspects that are more difficult to work out. But I am so sick of FCPS trying to say all the “correct” political things and our school system being a mess. The fact that gatehouse gets paid what they do and we have teachers and SROs in the thick of violence or working with tough situations on a daily basis for their far lower salaries than gatehouse makes me sick. When I send my kids to school, I expect that the adults in charge have some sort of conscience to do the right thing and help out kids. I’m not saying to get physically involved if they aren’t comfortable, but to do more. After all, doesn’t FCPS tell the kids to do something and say something if they see something? I’m glad that one of the high school boys was able to hold back the stabber. He put himself in harms way and possibly prevented more consequences. And these poor parents who were trying to get their kids out and Reid refused as if she knew what was better for them, it’s sickening. A parent knows their kid and when the kid wants out of the school after seeing something like this and a parents has their credentials, Reid should NOT
hold them hostage. I’m sure she will come out with a speech saying she made a mistake about this and think all is fine. It’s not. Reid and the board really need a moment of self reflection so they can provide an educational and safe learning environment. Families are fed up in so many ways and I feel like the board just keeps ignoring them. I know I went off tangent but the conversation about weather or not someone should have gotten involved in the fight is one of personal choice. FCPS has told teachers what they can and can not do and I’m not sure that’s right. An individual should be able to decide on their own if they want to help save a life or not. An FCPS policy shouldn’t stop or encourage that person from making that choice. What if that kid was related to a board member? What would they want done? As a parent of FCPS kids, I don’t feel that I can trust the adults at FCPS to help or protect my kids if it were needed.


I agree. FCPS is failing to keep our kids safe. They’re neglecting school safety and it’s criminal. Why are they spending so much money on all of these electives, language immersion programs, all kinds of fancy things. They’re neglecting the basics of student safety. They need a metal detector at all middle school and high school. They need tons more security guards and resource officer so that bathrooms are guarded and cafeteria are safe especially at middle and high schools. More counselors. Tools to detect vaping and drugs. Software that blocks social media from school devices. If kids aren’t safe from violence and bullying, and they’re scared in their learning environment, they can’t learn and thrive. FCPD is wasting money on all the wrong things and failing to keep students safe. They say that school safety is a priority, abd clearly it is not. They are denying children a safe learning environment. They’re denying children of basic rights. The people whose children are hurt and damaged should sue.

Does anyone know how to sue or take legal action against unsafe school environments that lack supervision and are filled with fights and vaping and drugs?


I share your concern but this is not the way to keep well behaved kids who are focused on academics in public schools. FCPS and every other district needs to revisit their policies on how they're handling the small minority of kids who repeatedly cause problems.

Bingo.


+1
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 09:28     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think FCPS and the board really need to think about their policies and actions in the current school environment rather than sending out so many emails about the budget and saving programs. They have spent so much money and the results we have are lower test scores, boundary disputes, violence in schools, students being uncomfortable with kids in bathrooms, teachers leaving, not enough bus drivers or staff…I could go on. I understand that this is one of the largest school systems in the country and with that will come certain aspects that are more difficult to work out. But I am so sick of FCPS trying to say all the “correct” political things and our school system being a mess. The fact that gatehouse gets paid what they do and we have teachers and SROs in the thick of violence or working with tough situations on a daily basis for their far lower salaries than gatehouse makes me sick. When I send my kids to school, I expect that the adults in charge have some sort of conscience to do the right thing and help out kids. I’m not saying to get physically involved if they aren’t comfortable, but to do more. After all, doesn’t FCPS tell the kids to do something and say something if they see something? I’m glad that one of the high school boys was able to hold back the stabber. He put himself in harms way and possibly prevented more consequences. And these poor parents who were trying to get their kids out and Reid refused as if she knew what was better for them, it’s sickening. A parent knows their kid and when the kid wants out of the school after seeing something like this and a parents has their credentials, Reid should NOT
hold them hostage. I’m sure she will come out with a speech saying she made a mistake about this and think all is fine. It’s not. Reid and the board really need a moment of self reflection so they can provide an educational and safe learning environment. Families are fed up in so many ways and I feel like the board just keeps ignoring them. I know I went off tangent but the conversation about weather or not someone should have gotten involved in the fight is one of personal choice. FCPS has told teachers what they can and can not do and I’m not sure that’s right. An individual should be able to decide on their own if they want to help save a life or not. An FCPS policy shouldn’t stop or encourage that person from making that choice. What if that kid was related to a board member? What would they want done? As a parent of FCPS kids, I don’t feel that I can trust the adults at FCPS to help or protect my kids if it were needed.


I agree. FCPS is failing to keep our kids safe. They’re neglecting school safety and it’s criminal. Why are they spending so much money on all of these electives, language immersion programs, all kinds of fancy things. They’re neglecting the basics of student safety. They need a metal detector at all middle school and high school. They need tons more security guards and resource officer so that bathrooms are guarded and cafeteria are safe especially at middle and high schools. More counselors. Tools to detect vaping and drugs. Software that blocks social media from school devices. If kids aren’t safe from violence and bullying, and they’re scared in their learning environment, they can’t learn and thrive. FCPD is wasting money on all the wrong things and failing to keep students safe. They say that school safety is a priority, abd clearly it is not. They are denying children a safe learning environment. They’re denying children of basic rights. The people whose children are hurt and damaged should sue.

Does anyone know how to sue or take legal action against unsafe school environments that lack supervision and are filled with fights and vaping and drugs?


I share your concern but this is not the way to keep well behaved kids who are focused on academics in public schools. FCPS and every other district needs to revisit their policies on how they're handling the small minority of kids who repeatedly cause problems.

Bingo.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 09:25     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t matter if metal detectors make it slower to get into a school building. It’s required for safety and the risk is too high. I don’t want my kid dying or being traumatized with a weapon because parents complain it might take a little bit longer to get in schools and people think metal detectors are inconvenient. Also kids get to school in plenty of time before the first bell. They have time. Kids are getting seriously injured and traumatized and more. This is unacceptable. FCPS needs to do prioritize for safety so kids don’t die, or other grave consequences.

All their talk about safety is a bunch of crap. They are doing nothing.



It doesn't matter to me either. I would welcome it. But I'm sure a whole lotta parents are going to complain and perhaps even stop the rollout of the weapons detection systems.


Any weapons detection system that the school district implements will be “security theater”. It might make you feel better, but it will not make the school safer. Kids who want to get into school with weapons will find a way to get through the security system.


Do you feel the same way about metal detectors at federal buildings, stadiums, etc?


Yes
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2025 07:50     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think FCPS and the board really need to think about their policies and actions in the current school environment rather than sending out so many emails about the budget and saving programs. They have spent so much money and the results we have are lower test scores, boundary disputes, violence in schools, students being uncomfortable with kids in bathrooms, teachers leaving, not enough bus drivers or staff…I could go on. I understand that this is one of the largest school systems in the country and with that will come certain aspects that are more difficult to work out. But I am so sick of FCPS trying to say all the “correct” political things and our school system being a mess. The fact that gatehouse gets paid what they do and we have teachers and SROs in the thick of violence or working with tough situations on a daily basis for their far lower salaries than gatehouse makes me sick. When I send my kids to school, I expect that the adults in charge have some sort of conscience to do the right thing and help out kids. I’m not saying to get physically involved if they aren’t comfortable, but to do more. After all, doesn’t FCPS tell the kids to do something and say something if they see something? I’m glad that one of the high school boys was able to hold back the stabber. He put himself in harms way and possibly prevented more consequences. And these poor parents who were trying to get their kids out and Reid refused as if she knew what was better for them, it’s sickening. A parent knows their kid and when the kid wants out of the school after seeing something like this and a parents has their credentials, Reid should NOT
hold them hostage. I’m sure she will come out with a speech saying she made a mistake about this and think all is fine. It’s not. Reid and the board really need a moment of self reflection so they can provide an educational and safe learning environment. Families are fed up in so many ways and I feel like the board just keeps ignoring them. I know I went off tangent but the conversation about weather or not someone should have gotten involved in the fight is one of personal choice. FCPS has told teachers what they can and can not do and I’m not sure that’s right. An individual should be able to decide on their own if they want to help save a life or not. An FCPS policy shouldn’t stop or encourage that person from making that choice. What if that kid was related to a board member? What would they want done? As a parent of FCPS kids, I don’t feel that I can trust the adults at FCPS to help or protect my kids if it were needed.


I agree. FCPS is failing to keep our kids safe. They’re neglecting school safety and it’s criminal. Why are they spending so much money on all of these electives, language immersion programs, all kinds of fancy things. They’re neglecting the basics of student safety. They need a metal detector at all middle school and high school. They need tons more security guards and resource officer so that bathrooms are guarded and cafeteria are safe especially at middle and high schools. More counselors. Tools to detect vaping and drugs. Software that blocks social media from school devices. If kids aren’t safe from violence and bullying, and they’re scared in their learning environment, they can’t learn and thrive. FCPD is wasting money on all the wrong things and failing to keep students safe. They say that school safety is a priority, abd clearly it is not. They are denying children a safe learning environment. They’re denying children of basic rights. The people whose children are hurt and damaged should sue.

Does anyone know how to sue or take legal action against unsafe school environments that lack supervision and are filled with fights and vaping and drugs?


I share your concern but this is not the way to keep well behaved kids who are focused on academics in public schools. FCPS and every other district needs to revisit their policies on how they're handling the small minority of kids who repeatedly cause problems.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2025 22:00     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Any updates on this? Is the injured kid ok?
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2025 21:36     Subject: West Potomac HS situation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t matter if metal detectors make it slower to get into a school building. It’s required for safety and the risk is too high. I don’t want my kid dying or being traumatized with a weapon because parents complain it might take a little bit longer to get in schools and people think metal detectors are inconvenient. Also kids get to school in plenty of time before the first bell. They have time. Kids are getting seriously injured and traumatized and more. This is unacceptable. FCPS needs to do prioritize for safety so kids don’t die, or other grave consequences.

All their talk about safety is a bunch of crap. They are doing nothing.



It’s not just about taking longer to get in the building. If most of the staff is manning the weapons detectors, there are less staff monitoring the rest of the building.
See what happened at a Prince William county school last school year.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1247632.page#29081817


They need more security personnel. They could operate the security equipment and also secure the school during the day. FCPS needs to prioritize safety, or they’re legally liable for lives lost and damages done.


What should they cut from the budget to hire the additional security?


So many things could be cut. I’d rather my child be safe, alive, not exposed to violence and crime, and not be traumatized than have 25+ electives choices (especially in middle school) like guitar 3D art; language immersion programs; late busses; IB programs, excess AP classes; field trips. Kids can’t learn if they’re not safe or on drugs/vape or if they’re dead or traumatized from violence and adults not keeping them safe.


Run for school board on that platform!