Dear LCPS Families and Staff,
I am writing to remind parents of the need for partnership as we work to teach our students the importance of their health and safety. While our children were enjoying their summer and away from school, some struggled with addiction or experimented with dangerous substances. In fact, a student recently experienced a non-fatal overdose requiring hospitalization. Out of concern for the student’s privacy, and because this happened out of school, we will not be releasing further information about the incident itself. We are working with the student and their family to provide appropriate support.
While this incident was not connected to LCPS, I wanted to bring this to your attention as we prepare to start the new school year. Opioid use continues to be a local, state and national issue, and we are grappling with how best to navigate it as a school division. LCPS remains dedicated to working closely with students, families, staff and the community to address this epidemic. Community sessions for parents and assemblies for students will provide vital information in order for children and their loved ones to have important conversations about substance use. For more information, including upcoming dates and locations, visit www.lcps.org/opioid.
As a reminder, LCPS has Naloxone available at every school in the division. Administrators (at least one in each building), all student health services staff (resource nurses and clinic staff), all student assistance specialists, directors of school counseling, all athletic trainers, senior staff and cabinet members, coaches, all athletic directors, and all safety and security officers received the training. Every campus has at least one administrator, nurse, student assistance specialist, and SSO trained in administering Naloxone and doses are available in the clinic. All School Resource Officers for Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Leesburg Police Department carry it as well.
Please visit the LCPS Drug Awareness webpage to find information and resources about the dangers associated with substance abuse. You can also contact the Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Developmental Services to get help for a friend or loved one struggling with substance abuse. Families and students are reminded that per Policy 8240, alcohol, illicit and unauthorized drugs, tobacco, and electronic cigarettes (“e-cigarettes”) are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
As always, if you have any information about safety concerns at your child’s school, please “See Something, Say Something” and contact your child’s school, law enforcement, or access the Safe2Talk anonymous tip app that can be downloaded to any mobile device.
I appreciate your support as we work together to keep our students safe and healthy.
Dr. Aaron Spence
Superintendent