Gun Safety Letter

Dear Fairfax County Public Schools Community,

Recent news of another school shooting in our nation has deeply impacted our community. Parents, students, and staff want to know what more can be done to keep our places of learning safe from gun violence. More must be done to prevent children from gaining access to firearms.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Prevention states that more than half of all U.S. gun owners store firearms unlocked. Additionally, an estimated 82% of adolescent firearm suicides involve a gun belonging to a family member, and 80% of school shooters under 18 access a firearm from their own home or that of a relative or friend.

In FCPS, we have built lessons on gun safety 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. I ask that parents and caregivers reinforce this message at home by talking to your children about gun safety as well. 

Virginia law requires gun owners to store firearms where a child is unlikely to gain access. Fairfax County offers free locks for medications and firearms.

For more information on secure firearm storage, please review these resources from the U.S. Department of Justice or see the Gun Violence Prevention Resources page on the FCPS website.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe places for our children to learn and grow. Together, all things are possible. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Michelle Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools