Dear Fairfax County Public Schools Families,

I’m sure that many of you have seen news reports of a shooting Wednesday afternoon that tragically and senselessly took a young life. This incident has deeply impacted our Herndon and Westfield school communities as well as our community as a whole. Our deep condolences and prayers go out to all of the families who are grieving today.  

We continue to provide mental health support to students and staff, and those who are expressing anxiety or concern about safety in our community. This resource can assist you in having conversations with your child about safety after an act of violence in the community. Also, if you or your child needs support after hours, contact the CrisisLink Regional Hotline at 703-527-4077 or text “NEEDHELP” to 85511. 

In our schools, administrative teams meet with our Office of Safety and Security (OSS) and our School Resource Officers (SRO) regularly to review our procedures and to ensure that we are doing everything in our power to keep our students and staff safe while they are in our schools. Our security operations are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Fairfax County Police Department is a strong partner in this work, both inside and outside of our school buildings.  

Knowing that firearms are the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens under the age of 18, we also work to educate students about gun safety, with lessons built into our curriculum. In early grades, students learn what to do if they find a gun (leave it alone, leave the area, and let an adult know). In upper grades, students learn the consequences of gun violence, personal responsibility for gun safety in the community, and alternatives to violence to resolve conflicts.  

None of us can do this alone. Together, we must commit to the well-being of our children by keeping them safe both at school and at home. We must have difficult conversations with our children about making good choices. The most important thing you can do is to be a good and active listener. Being an active listener means you:

• Ask open-ended questions like “What happened?” instead of questions that can be answered with a yes or no. 
• Periodically repeat or restate what the child said. This shows you are listening and helps make sure you understood correctly.
• After repeating or restating, ask, “Is that right?” or “Is that what you meant?” 
• Listen and empathize - letting your child know that most initial reactions are normal. If there are concerns regarding safety of your child or others, seek assistance. 
• Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements. For example, say, “I’m concerned that you are …” instead of “You shouldn’t be …”

I do believe that if we continue to be compassionate, collaborative, and committed to being in community -- we can nurture and sustain both a safe and healthy today as well as a brighter tomorrow for each and every child in Fairfax County; together all things are possible.  

Wishing each of you all the best for the spring break ahead. 

Thoughtfully, 

Dr. Michelle Reid
Superintendent