This message was shared with families of Chesterfield County Public Schools students on Sept. 13, 2024.

Dear families and students of Chesterfield County Public Schools:

This is an important safety message for students, parents and family members. Please review and discuss it over the weekend.

Our schools have experienced several copycat threats since the Georgia shooting tragedy. We take every potential threat seriously as keeping schools safe is a top priority. Foremost, I wish to acknowledge, and as the parent of two CCPS students myself, how such events and threats promote a sense of fear and may create an absence of trust. As such, our staff do not take lightly the responsibility of ensuring each child and staff member’s safety. 

When a threat is made online, in person, or in any other manner, our schools immediately connect with the Chesterfield Police Department, which investigates to determine who made the threat and whether or not that person plans to act on their threat.

Law enforcement investigations are serious. Even if something is said in a joking manner, there can be significant consequences for students and others who threaten violence — even if they do not really mean it. Students have been suspended, expelled and prosecuted for threatening violence. 

Parents, please talk with your children about the power of words, the pitfalls of social media, and the importance of thinking carefully before posting or saying anything involving bombs, guns or other violence at school. I ask that you also reinforce their understanding that schools will not look the other way or tolerate any threats. 

Because school safety is a top priority, Chesterfield County Public Schools remains on alert year-round.

• Each school has a comprehensive safety plan that includes regular fire drills, tornado drills and lockdown drills so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. 

• Each school also has a threat assessment team trained to evaluate potential problems and respond appropriately. 

• Middle and high schools have school resource officers, who are police officers trained to work in schools. In addition, Chesterfield County Public Schools employs security officers in every elementary, middle and high school. 

• Multiple safety measures are built into our school buildings. This includes indoor and outdoor cameras; front doors that stay locked until visitors are buzzed in; and computerized checks of visitor IDs. Additionally, within the next few weeks, enclosed vestibule areas that restrict visitors to the front office will be completed at the remaining four schools. 

These are just some of the ways we protect students and staff members. We are all partners in efforts to keep schools safe. So if you see something, then say something. If you know something, then make sure someone at your school knows it too. Thank you to all who have reached out over the past several days and for encouraging your children to do likewise. 

We want our students to achieve the bright futures they are capable of. Every day, most of our 64,000 students make good choices, do what is right and move forward to achieve success. They are and represent the true story of Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Thank you for your support, as partnership is only achieved by a shared sense of togetherness as we seek to ensure each and every school and classroom are safe and positive environments.

Respectfully,

Dr. John Murray
Interim Superintendent

We want to assure you that school safety is always our top priority in Chesterfield County Public Schools, and schools remain on alert year-round. We are all partners in safety.

Each Chesterfield County school has a threat assessment team trained through evidence-based practices to evaluate potential disturbances and respond appropriately. Each school also has a team trained to respond to issues affecting students and staff members in connection with the critical incident and emergency response management plan. 

Here are additional ways Chesterfield County Public Schools maintains a safe, supportive and nurturing learning environment:

• Collaborating with local law enforcement officials, the county’s mental health team and other community partners to support students and families in need.

• Electronic locking systems are installed at all schools. 

• Camera surveillance continues to be upgraded across the division.

• Exceeding state mandates for emergency preparation and safety response drills.

• Addressing student behavior and mental health needs proactively with the implementation of anti-bullying initiatives and positive behavioral interventions and supports.

• Supporting students through school counseling and other easy-to-access school services such as conflict resolution and team building.

• Working with the police department to assign school resource officers to each secondary school and child safety officers to each elementary school, while also assigning school security officers to each high school and career and technical center.

• Employing caring teachers and staff members who develop meaningful relationships with every student. 

We understand parents entrust their most precious gifts — their children — to our school division daily. We are committed to work and learning environments that support our diverse community and promote academic and social growth. Our students and staff members cannot achieve their best unless they feel secure, comfortable and supported. Please know that school counselors and support services are available for anyone who needs them during this time.

Everyone has a role to play in school safety. We ask that everyone be involved, aware, speak up and join efforts to sustain safe learning environments. If you see something, say something. If you know something, make sure someone at a school knows it too. We are all partners in efforts to protect our children.

If you see something, say something

In Chesterfield County Public Schools, we routinely tell students, “if you see something say something.” Our school community plays an important role in school safety. If at any time students, parents or community members see or hear something concerning, they are asked to share that information.

Problem-solving

Problems may arise during the course of a student’s school experience. Teachers, school counselors, assistant principals and principals are the adults most directly involved in a student’s school life. The majority of problems can be solved by meeting with one or more of these professionals who work daily with students in academic as well as social settings. Parents and students are encouraged to seek resolutions to problems or answers to questions from these people whenever there is a need.

Getting help for students

While youth may show spontaneous aggressive behavior or signs of difficulty fitting in, parents should become concerned when alienation or antisocial behavior is shown over a period of time. Parents can seek help from their child’s school by contacting a school counselor, school social worker or school psychologist. Additional help is available from Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services at 804-748-1227. To anonymously report suspicious behavior or other concerns, parents and students may call Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.

Secure firearm storage

Secure firearm storage is an essential part of home safety. It is vital for parents and caregivers to know how secure storage protects children. Over the past few years in the United States, there has been a rise in unintentional shootings by children and gunfire on school grounds. And in 2020, gun suicide among children ages 17 and under reached the highest rate in more than 20 years and firearms became the leading cause of death among children in the United States. Storing firearms securely can help prevent these tragedies and keep kids safe. The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries:

• Secure all guns in your home and vehicles.

• Model responsible behavior around guns.

• Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes.

• Recognize the role of guns in suicide.

• Tell your peers to be SMART.