Dear LCPS Families,
As we start the school year, I wanted to take a moment to remind you about important information regarding firearm storage. Last fall, the Loudoun County School Board unanimously passed the Secure Storage Notification Resolution in a significant step toward enhancing the safety and well-being of our students and community. Research indicates that secure firearm storage practices can reduce the risk of unintentional firearm injuries among children and teens by as much as 85%.
We also recognize September as Suicide Awareness Month. Tragically, 1,200 children and teens die by gun suicide annually – often using firearms belonging to family members. Given these tragedies, there is no question that it is our community’s interest to help keep our children safe by securing firearms, and all of us can help.
To increase awareness and prevention of firearm tragedies, we are providing this annual notice and information. We hope it empowers families to make informed decisions that prioritize safety at home.
It is important to note that under Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 18.2-56.2, it is unlawful for any person to recklessly leave a loaded and unsecured firearm in a manner that poses a risk to a child. This statute is designed to help prevent minors from accessing improperly stored firearms, thereby supporting efforts to enhance the safety and well-being of students, educators, and school staff.
Here are the alarming statistics about gun violence in our country.
Approximately 4.6 million American children live in homes with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm.
Every year, around 350 children under the age of 18 unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else, with 70% of these incidents occurring in their own homes.
In cases of gun violence on school grounds, 75% of active shooters are current students or recent graduates, with up to 80% of shooters under the age of 18 obtaining their guns from their own homes, relatives’ homes or friends.
What can you do? Even if you do not own firearms, you can still be proactive.
Ask about unsecured guns in homes your children visit. Helpful scripts are available from Be Smart in English and Spanish.
Model responsible behavior by teaching your children what to do in the presence of unsecured guns. (Your kids may encounter them when you’re not there.) An age-by-age guide is available in English and Spanish.
Recognize the uniquely fatal role of guns in suicide. Learn the warning signs and available resources (like text/call/chat 988), and consider temporarily removing guns if you have them.
Putting a firearm out of sight or out of reach is not safe storage and not enough to prevent use by children or unauthorized adults. It takes all of us, working together, to keep our students, staff and community members safe. Please read secure gun storage information from local law enforcement partners and other sources. And review helpful information about suicide prevention resources on the LCPS website.
The possibility of gun violence in schools is extremely troubling and is something that keeps me up at night both as a father and as your superintendent. The reality is, we can all take steps to prevent gun violence by practicing secure gun storage to help ensure the safety and well-being of our students.
Safety and security are our top priority. Students who come to school, who feel that they belong, and who learn in a secure environment are children who can thrive. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the safety of our children.
Together, we can make a difference.
With gratitude,
Aaron Spence, Ed.D.
Superintendent