(Updated 2 p.m.) Four Alexandria schools went into “secure the building” mode earlier today after nearby police activity.
Alicia Hart, chief of facilities and operations for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), said Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School (1701 N. Beauregard Street), William Ramsay Elementary School (5700 Sanger Avenue), John Adams Elementary School (5651 Rayburn Avenue) and the Early Childhood Center (5651 Rayburn Avenue) were in “secure the building” status today from 12:15-12:35 p.m.
According to Hart:
Dear Families,
At about 12:15 p.m. today, four Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) were briefly placed in “secure the building” status in response to nearby police activity (unrelated to school operations). These schools are Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School, William Ramsay Elementary School, John Adams Elementary School and the Early Childhood Center. The Alexandria Police Department gave the all clear notification at about 12:35 p.m., and normal operations resumed at all four schools.
“Secure the building” means that the school day continues on a normal schedule inside the school but no one is allowed to enter or leave the school while the building remains secured. This step was taken as a precaution in response to an Alexandria Police Department (APD) notification of current police activity. An ACPS video provides more information on what happens when a school is placed in “secure the building” mode.
The safety and security of our students and staff are a priority for ACPS.
Alexandria Police spokesman Marcel Bassett said there was a moderate police presence in response to the recovery of a stolen vehicle. Four juvenile suspects were apprehended around 1400 Beauregard Street.
Three other schools were shut down earlier today thanks to a water main break.
