SUPREME COURT DECISION ON THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL
On February 20th, the Supreme Court decided to decline a case about the admissions policy at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County. The case had the potential to further dismantle the reach of affirmative action in education. The Supreme Court’s action allows the school to maintain the new admissions policy, which provides “fair and equitable access to all students who have potential to succeed at TJ”, according to the appeals court. The Fairfax County School Board adopted the policy in 2020 to ensure all students admitted to TJHSST are qualified and have earned their place.
FENTANYL DISCUSSION WITHIN FCPS COMMUNITY
More than 200 staff, students, and community members gathered at Lake Braddock Secondary School this week for the latest Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs. They heard moving testimony from the parents and friends of Cayden Foster (video in Spanish), a student at Centreville High School who died from a fentanyl overdose last year.
Other speakers included Dr. Reid, Fairfax County School Board Chair Karl Frisch, Fairfax County Chief of Police Kevin Davis, and Centreville High School Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Dawn Brower.
FCPS teams, county representatives, and community partners shared information and resources to support students and families. The Fairfax Community Service Board also provided free NARCAN training to attendees.
In collaboration with the Office of Counseling and College and Career Readiness, all FCPS students in attendance had the opportunity to gain critical insight into this important topic, with the added incentive of earning service hours.
Learn more about this event, the opioid epidemic in Fairfax County, and free NARCAN training.
HANDGUN FOUND IN ELEMENTARY STUDENT'S BACKPACK
A loaded handgun was confiscated from an un-named student at the Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy in Old Town, Alexandria on Friday, March 1st. An investigation into the incident revealed that the child accidentally brought the wrong backpack to school, which contained a family member’s legally owned handgun. The student immediately notified their teacher upon discovering the gun and the teacher took immediate action to inform administrators. The school assured the community that safety is their top priority.
Following a “comprehensive investigation” by the Alexandria Police Department, the mother of the child was arrested and charged on April 8th. The Class 1 misdemeanor of allowing access of firearms to children is punishable by up to a year in jail and/or up to $2,500 fine.
