A student brandished a pocket knife during a classroom argument Thursday at Alexandria City High School’s Minnie Howard Campus, but no one was injured, school officials said.
Teachers quickly separated the students involved in the dispute, and school resource officers responded immediately, Harrell said. The incident occurred in a second-floor classroom shortly before noon, according to radio dispatches.
Interim Executive Principal Lance Harrell said in a message to parents that officers “are taking all the appropriate steps to address this situation” and that students who bring weapons to school face “immediate and significant consequences.”
The Alexandria City Public Schools Office of Safety and Security is reviewing processes to prevent similar incidents, Harrell said.
“This incident is a serious reminder that weapons will not be tolerated,” Harrell wrote. “Any student who brings weapons to school or violates the student code of conduct will face immediate and significant consequences. In addition, and where applicable, students could face law enforcement consequences for having weapons on school grounds.”
The school provided crisis counseling resources for students and families, including a 24-hour crisis text line and phone support.
The full message from Harrell is below.
Dear Alexandria City High School Families and Staff,
I am writing to inform you about a student who had a pocket knife in their possession at the Alexandria City High School (ACHS) Minnie Howard Campus today. The pocket knife was brandished in class during a verbal dispute with another student. Teachers quickly separated the students and the school’s School Resource Officers (SROs) and security quickly responded. At no time were any students injured. The SROs are taking all the appropriate steps to address this situation, and the ACPS Office of Safety and Security’s leadership is reviewing processes to prevent additional incidents of this nature.
This incident is a serious reminder that weapons will not be tolerated at ACHS. Any student who brings weapons to school or violates the ACPS Student Code of Conduct will face immediate and significant consequences. In addition, and where applicable, students could face law enforcement consequences for having weapons on school grounds. We ask that you please remind your students never to bring any weapons to school.
We understand that your child may come home today with questions or concerns about what happened. If you or your student need additional support, please reach out to our school counselors, administrators or any trusted adult within Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). Additionally, the following resources are available 24/7:
- CrisisText: Text “CONNECT” to 85511
- CrisisLink: Call 703-527-4077
Please know that the safety and well-being of our school community remain our highest priorities. We will continue to work diligently to maintain a secure environment for all students and staff.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Sincerely,
Lance Harrell, Interim Executive Principal
Alexandria City High School
King Street Campus
Minnie Howard Campus
Satellite Campus
Chance for Change Campus
