Dear FCPS Community,

I am asking you to take a few moments today to be uncomfortable. These few moments may save a life. Just last week, we lost another young student in Northern Virginia to a fake painkiller that turned out to be deadly fentanyl. Earlier this calendar year, Cayden Foster, a student at Centreville High School, also died from a fentanyl overdose. His parents don’t want any other family to go through the pain that they’ve endured, and they asked to sit down with me and share their story. They want you to know that they didn’t think they needed to be worried about their son. They’d talked to Cayden, and they were certain he’d be safe. I implore you to watch their story (the video is also posted below this message) and then talk to your children about the dangers of fake painkillers; it matters. 

Please join me on Wednesday, January 10, at Edison High School at 6:30 p.m. for a community conversation about opioid awareness. You can register to attend. However, registration is not required; it is simply for space considerations. Our website also has resources for you to start the conversation and additional support for families struggling with substance misuse. 

It is important that we treat substance use disorders and overdoses with compassion, grace, and understanding. As a community, we all play a role in reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders, while also focusing on substance misuse prevention. I hope to see you on January 10 at Edison High School.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Michelle C. Reid
Superintendent of Schools