Safety and Facilities Information
Hello and welcome to the Safety/Facilities Update page for Fredericksburg City Public Schools. We aim to keep the public informed on the variety of building projects and safety measures being undertaken currently and in the near future, and provide this page and its contents for that reason. Check back here regularly for new press releases, photos, and more having to do with safety/facility work.
Information on Cellphone Usage and Face Coverings (W-GMS and JMHS)
This is an update on the efforts Fredericksburg City Public Schools’ is making to support the safety and health of our students, faculty, and staff.
We are working hard to ready our buildings for our students’ return to school. We’re excited to welcome our kindergarteners, sixth and ninth graders back into the buildings on Monday, August 7th. All other students will be welcomed back on Tuesday, August 8th. Each day will operate on a full-day schedule.
Please know that we continue to prioritize our students’, faculties’, and staff’s safety and health. As such, we would like our families to be aware of updated procedures in Walker-Grant and James Monroe buildings. Please listen closely to the following safety updates:
- Phones must be turned off and stored out-of-sight during the school day except during specified times.
- Students may use cellular phones ONLY at designated times which include breakfast and lunch waves ONLY in the cafeteria/commons area.
- On the school bus, secondary students may use their cellular phones and must use headphones, earbuds, or personal listening equipment so as not to disturb others.
- Students who request to leave the classroom will need to leave the phone in their bookbag or a designated area.
- Students may use their phones after school.
Additionally, we have updated Face and Head Coverings Expectations for our secondary schools to support safe and healthy educational environments. Student clothing should not hide or disguise the identification of individuals. The identities of people need to be known. For this reason, head and face coverings will not be allowed on school property. This includes facemasks, gators, ski masks, hoods, caps, hats, and the like. Exceptions to this rule include:
- head or face coverings for religious reasons
- head or face coverings for health/medical reasons (i.e., medical masks for COVID-19)
- head or face coverings for educational expectations (i.e., safety goggles)
Questions regarding exceptions for religious, health/medical or normal educational expectations should be directed to the building principal.
Thank you for your continued support of Fredericksburg City Public Schools’ efforts to continually support the safety and health of our families.
School Safety Overview, July 20, 2023
Open to Read
Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Safety
Safety and security are top priorities for everyone in our Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS). This includes students, staff, families, community members, and visitors. As an ongoing process, we continue to collectively reflect and plan with our law enforcement and community partners. We want to assure the community that our schools are safe and that we continue to take a layered approach to ensure a secure, positive, and healthy environment for everyone on a daily basis.
Point of Contact and School Resource Officers (SRO)
Angie Roenke serves as the division’s Safety & Operations Coordinator. We currently have two SROs: Officer Uyurre Brown-Kaleopaa “BK” serves James Monroe High School and Officer Chris Florio serves Walker-Grant Middle School. Through grant funding, we are in the process of hiring two additional SROs (one full-time and one part-time) to assist the two elementary schools. The Sheriff’s Office assists schools with morning visibility and presence.
The Process of Safety – Safety Summits
The schools and community partners schedule regular meetings to come together to discuss safety issues; address situations, resources, and needs; develop training opportunities; plan for future safety; and, formalize excellent communication avenues. Guests to the regular Safety Summits include:
- FCPS and City Communications Personnel
- FCPS Senior Division Leadership
- Fredericksburg Emergency Services
- Fredericksburg Fire Department
- Fredericksburg Police Department
- Fredericksburg Sheriff’s Office
The Process of Safety – Annual Activities
Attention to safety and security is important on a daily basis. Equally, there needs to be an annual review of certain procedures and practices. These include:
- Complete the state-mandated Climate and Working Conditions Survey.
- Complete the state-mandated Safety Audit of each school.
- Review the Division Crisis and Emergency Management Plan with law enforcement.
- Assign personnel to both school-based and division Crisis Management Teams.
- Review Avoid, Deny, Defend expectations with all staff.
- Review Safety Expectations with all division administrators.
- Determine training needs.
2022-2023 – Safety Efforts
- Additional School Resource Officer assigned to Walker-Grant Middle School.
- All FCPS staff received training from the Fredericksburg Police Department on what to do in a crisis.
- All law enforcement and emergency responders have card access to all school buildings and have access to building keys. Additional keys and card access have been provided.
- Digital maps were created of every school building and shared with the 911/Communications Center.
- Division Administrators took part in Incident Command System (ICS) training.
- FCPS families can request a free gun lock from the division.
- Law enforcement personnel have walked all school buildings to become familiar with facilities.
- Safety and Operations Coordinator position established.
- Safety Summits begin.
- School administrators became familiarized with Mobile Command Unit and a Special Equipment Tactical Team vehicle and learned about their uses and operations.
- School-based Crisis Management Teams completed training from multiple agencies in how to react to crisis through simulated activities.
Annual Training and Drills
Regular and ongoing training is important for school safety. The following table illustrates annual training requirements for administrators, licensed staff, non-certificated staff, and students. Some training is for all individuals; other training is for selected individuals.
|
School Administrator |
Licensed |
Non-Certificated |
Students |
Active Shooter |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
|
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) |
Selected |
Selected |
Selected |
|
Avoid, Deny, Defend |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
Bloodborne Pathogens |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
|
Bus Drill (once a year) |
Selected |
Selected |
Selected |
ALL |
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) |
Selected |
Selected |
Selected |
Selected |
De-escalation |
Selected |
Selected |
Selected |
|
Diabetes |
Selected |
Selected |
Selected |
|
Earthquake Drill (once a year) |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
Epinephrine |
Selected |
Selected |
Selected |
|
FERPA/Confidentiality |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
|
Fire Drill (once a month) |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
Incident Command |
ALL |
Selected |
Selected |
|
Lockdown Drill (four times a year) |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
Restraint Practice |
Selected |
Selected |
Selected |
|
Restraint/Seclusion Overview |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
|
Sexual Harassment |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
|
Stop the Bleed (2023-2024) |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
|
Threat Assessment |
ALL |
Selected |
Selected |
|
Title IX |
ALL |
|
|
|
Tornado Drill (once a year) |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
ALL |
Infrastructure - Access
Exterior Doors. All exterior doors are expected to be locked and never propped open.
Front Entrance Access Control. All front entrances have voice and video observation of visitors wishing to enter the building.
Access Control Cards. School Personnel have access control cards in order to enter the school at the main entrance and in selected other entrances.
First Responder Access. All law enforcement and emergency responders have card access to all school buildings and have increased access to building keys.
Safety Vestibules/Holding Areas. Hugh Mercer Elementary, Lafayette Elementary, Walker-Grant Middle, and James Monroe High Schools, as well as Walker-Grant Center all have safety vestibules to restrict access into the main building.
Video Camera Surveillance. All schools have interior and exterior video surveillance. These cameras can be accessed at the school level or the division level.
911/Communications Center Video Camera Surveillance. Emergency personnel has access to real-time video monitoring in the event of a crisis.
Advanced Weapons Detection (August 4, 2023 anticipated). Advanced Weapons Detection systems will be in place at Walker-Grant Middle School, James Monroe High School, and the Alternative Education Program. The weapons detection system combines powerful technology with artificial intelligence in order to move large numbers of people through screening detection in a short period of time. The system will detect mass casualty threats including firearms and explosives as well as knives.
Visitor Check In. All visitors must check in to the main office and have their driver’s licenses screened for acceptable access. The current system will be upgraded this fall as we move from the SchoolCheckIn system to Navigate 360 Visitor Management.
Safety and Security Window Film (October 1, 2023 anticipated). Safety and security window film will be placed on entrance windows, safety vestibules, and office windows. The film placement makes glass harder to penetrate and holds shattered pieces in place, helping keep both people and property safe from dangers posed by intruders, severe weather and broken glass. The shield is capable of withstanding forced entry, earthquakes and even bomb blasts.
Safety Updates Flyer
FCPS has made the following safety efforts:
- All FCPS staff have received training from the Fredericksburg Police Department on what to do in a crisis.
- All law enforcement and emergency responders were given card access to all school buildings. They also have access to building keys.
- Digital maps were created for every school building and shared with the E-911 Communications Center.
- Division Administrators participated in Incident Command System training.
- FCPS families were informed about free gun lock program.
- Law enforcement personnel walked all school buildings to become familiar with facilities.
- Safety and Operations Coordinator position created.
- Full-time School Resource Officer assigned to Walker-Grant Middle School.
- Safety Summits were held monthly.
- School administrators toured and learned about the Police Mobile Command Unit and a Special Equipment Tactical Team vehicle.
- School-based Crisis Management Teams completed training on how to react during a crisis through simulated activities.
- Police Department purchased breach kits and installed them at all schools.
Follow us for safety updates.
City website:
- fredericksburgva.gov
- Facebook: @FXBGgov
- Instagram: @FXBGgov
- Twitter: @FXBGgov
Police website:
- fxbgpolice.com
- Facebook: @FXBGPolice
- Instagram: @FXBGPolice
- Twitter: @FXBGPolice
FCPS website:
- fxbgschools.us
- Facebook: @FredSchools
- Instagram: @FredSchools
- Twitter: @FredSchools
Anonymous Tip Line, text "FPDtip" and your message to 847-411.
Photo of SRO Florio at Walker-Grant Middle School.
Photo of SRO "BK" at James Monroe High School.
Archived Updates
- October 9, 2023
- September 11, 2023
- August 14, 2023
- July 14, 2023 (Joint Press Release with City)
- July 10, 2023
- June 5, 2023
- May 1, 2023
- April 3, 2023
- March 6, 2023
- February 15, 2023 (SRO Appreciation)
- February 6, 2023
- January 10, 2023 Safety Letter from Dr. Catlett
- Free Lance-Star article on new middle school and safety updates, January 10, 2022
- Presentation from Student-Focused E4
- January 9, 2023
- December 5, 2022
- November 7, 2022
- October 10, 2022
- September, 2022
- August, 2022
- July, 2022
October 9, 2023
Safety & Security in FCPS
October 9, 2023
Safety and security are top priorities for everyone in our schools—this includes students, staff, families, community members, and any visitor.
The following are updates:
- We are still waiting to hear from the state safety grant. As you remember, the 3M film for entrance restriction is included in this grant.
- We are also waiting to hear back on the federal COPS grant that would provide additional weapons detection systems.
- Steve Epple begins tomorrow as the new SRO at LES. Steven Monihan has been at JM since the first day of school. Of course, we have SROs in the other two schools.
We want to assure the community that our schools are safe and that we continue to take a layered approach to ensure a secure, positive, and health environment for everyone on a daily basis.
September 11, 2023
Safety & Security in FCPS
September 11, 2023
Safety and security are top priorities for everyone in our schools: this includes students, staff, families, community members and any visitor.
The following are recent events.
- We have secured Vector Solutions that is an online provider for expert authored courses. Specifically, we have secured the Safety & Compliance module that offers 233 classes in 12 topic areas. All staff will need to complete the Active Shooter course. In addition to the Bloodborne Pathogen and FERPA/Confidentiality courses all staff already have to complete, FCPS employees will need to complete training in Understanding and Responding to Sexual Harassment. Administrators will need to complete three additional courses: Crisis Response and Recovery, Threat Assessment, and Title IX Compliance. Some of the other training topics we are reviewing include: Athletics, Health, Nutrition Services, Social/Behavioral and Transportation.
- The theme of the August 31 Superintendent Community Roundtable was “School Safety and Security”. It had excellent attendance with key partners that included powerful insights from:
- Fire
- Health Department
- Police
- Rappahannock Areas Community Services Board
- Sheriff
- We are in the process of creating a tip line that students can use to either scan a QR Code to make an alert or text a number for an alert.
We want to assure the community that our schools are safe and that we continue to take a layered approach to ensure a secure, positive, and healthy environment for everyone on a daily basis.
August 14, 2023
F. Facilities Update
Mr. Upperco provided the following facilities updates:
- LED Lighting upgrades are almost complete. Items on the punch list are being addressed.
- HVAC replacement at Hugh Mercer is almost complete. Units are working in the gym and cafeteria. Mr. Upperco publicly thanked Dr. Snyder and his team for their cooperation during the replacement project.
- The tandem boiler units at Walker-Grant Middle School are being installed.
- The Family and Consumer Science Lab at Walker-Grant Middle School was ready by the first day of the school year. New appliances have been installed in the kitchen. Currently waiting for the sewing machine order. Mr. Upperco publicly thanked Mr. Ventura, Kristi Allison, and the maintenance department for their work on this project.
- The installation of flooring in the James Monroe weight room should begin next week.
- A transformer pad has been installed for the electric bus charging station. The area will then need to be seal coated and vegetation planted to shield the roadway.
- The James Monroe tennis courts are almost completed. They were done in JM colors.
- The New Middle School construction is on time.
- The 1935 building is being cleared of janitorial supplies and student records to provide areas for students and community engagement.
- A committee is being formed for the conversion of the middle school to the division's third elementary school.
Mr. Rowe clarified for the public that the tree damage at the construction site was caused by a car accident and not related to the construction.
Mrs. Pomeroy asked if the weight room was also getting new equipment. Mr. Upperco responded that new equipment has been purchased.
Mrs. Holmes asked if there was a timeline for the delivery of the electric buses. Mr. Upperco responded that he anticipated it to be several weeks. Mr. Eberhardt clarified that an unveiling would be taking place on September 25th.
G. Safety Update
Dr. Eberhardt provided the following safety updates:
- Safety and security continue to be the top priority for FCPS. He also assured the community that our schools are safe, and we continue to take a multi-layered approach.
- A few weeks ago, over 200 staff were trained in Stop-the-Bleed. Training was conducted by police, sheriff, and fire personnel.
- Advanced Weapons Detection Systems were installed for the first day of school at James Monroe and Walker-Grant Middle Schools.
- A metal detector that was lent by the sheriff's department was installed at Alternative Education.
- Walker-Grant Middle School and James Monroe High School have a new cell phone policy and a new face coverings policy. There is discussion of making these policies K-12.
- The police department has hired one full-time and one part-time SRO for the two elementary schools.
- Staff had their quarterly meeting with police, fire, and sheriff last week to discuss plans for moving forward this year.
July 14, 2023 (Joint Press Release with City)
Joint Press Release on Safety from Fredericksburg City and FCPS.
July 10, 2023
F. Facilities Update
The following was shared during the Facilities Update:
LED Lighting:
Several punch list items were currently being addressed at several schools.
HVAC Project at Hugh Mercer:
The project was well underway. The old equipment had been removed and new equipment was now being installed. The project was slated to be completed by mid-July.
Summer Boiler Project at Walker Grant:
This project started today and was expected to be completed by the first week of August.
Family and Consumer Science Lab at Walker Grant:
School administrators and the custodial team had fully cleaned the former kitchen and adjoining classroom. Two on-site meetings have been held to assess existing equipment capabilities and program needs, including a determination as to which new appliances and equipment need to be purchased. Also, a review has been conducted to ensure all mandated permits associated with the space’s updating were applied for. In addition to school division personnel, the City Fire Marshal and Building Inspector participated in this review.
Electric Bus Charging Stations:
The City Planning Department approved the minor site plan for this facility, and Dominion Energy had obtained all necessary permits. Preliminary work by Dominion’s sub-contractor started today. The latest estimate for completion provided by Dominion was two to three months. The Maintenance department had already modified two islands per the site plan and a contractor removed a light pole this weekend. Sealcoating bids are being sought to ensure parking space markings that will be removed for the project do not bleed through the lot’s final surface.
New Middle School:
Ms. Pomeroy, Dr. Catlett, school officials, and representatives from Moseley Architects were given a tour of Potomac Falls Middle School in Prince William County to examine that school’s state of the art CTE facilities on June 28th. That school was constructed by First Choice.
A meeting regarding color selection of the carpeting, tile, and paint was held with Moseley Architects, School Board members and stakeholder committee members on June 30th.
Storm sewer installation and other site work is on-going. Thus far, school construction remains on schedule despite nine days being impacted to some degree by weather.
1935 Building:
A plan was being prepared to move currently stored custodial supplies and records from the premises as part of the facility’s upgrade. The City has offered some storage space for this effort in its Facilities Department building, located in the Industrial Park. Details will follow in the coming weeks.
G. Safety Update
Safety and security are top priorities for everyone in FCPS schools: this included students, staff, families, community members and any visitor.
FCPS understands that recent community events involving teenagers and young adults with violence have caused a heightened level of concern. As an ongoing process, FCPS continues to collectively reflect and plan with law enforcement and community partners.
FCPS wants to assure the community that all schools are safe and that we continue to take a layered approach to ensure a secure, positive, and healthy environment for everyone on a daily basis.
The accomplishments of the last year were reviewed.
● In summer 2022, FCPS began holding regular meetings with local police dperintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee to provide us with common questions and concerns parents might have.
• FCPS is collaborating with the City to develop a roadmap of regular communications that will begin soon and continue through the fall.
• The Schools will participate on the City’s Steering Committee which will begin soon.
• We are thankful for additional funding that will provide two additional SRO officers in the elementary schools.
• The School Board is planning to host two listen-and-learn events (one at JM and one at Walker-Grant Middle School) for students to share their thoughts. These will be called “Speak Out” events. More information to come.
• The next Superintendent’s Community Roundtable will focus on Safety and Addressing Threats to Safety.
• Tomorrow, we will attend the City Council meeting where schools and safety will be discussed.
FCPS is fortunate to have excellent law enforcement and first responder partners as guides and resources. FCPS is fortunate to have maintained excellent communication with our partners.
Again, safety and security are top priorities for everyone in FCPS schools and want to assure the community that our schools are safe and that we continue to take a layered approach to ensure a secure, positive, and healthy environment for everyone on a daily basis.
Lastly, FCPS wants to thank the community for its support as we implement these and other measures to maintain the safe, secure, and welcoming schools we all need and deserve.
Ms. Kay desired to know what teachers were being trained to look for and what assistance the administration and the school needed. She also requested to receive a report at every School Board meeting for the 30, 60, 90-days regarding the discipline issues at JMHS.
Ms. Holmes wanted clarification on when 911 operators had access to the cameras in the buildings. It was noted that they would have access to the cameras in case of an emergency. If someone breaches the building the 911 operator can use the cameras to see where in the building the person is.
Ms. Pomeroy wanted to know how many staff members would be needed to monitor the advanced weapons detection system. Dr. Eberhardt noted that they were still working out how many staff members will be needed. They were also working through the procedure as to who would be searching the student, who would be watching the cameras, where will the search be conducted if it is determined that a search is necessary. The system will be able to isolate where the item is.
Mr. Rowe wanted to know what was the level of confidence that installation will be done by the first day of school. It was stated that the company was doing everything possible to meet the deadline.
Mr. Rowe also wanted to know if law enforcement had the most updated floorplan of the buildings. Dr. Eberhardt shard that the floorplans had been digitized and law enforcement has access to that information.
June 5, 2023
LED Lighting:
Punch list items are currently being addressed at several schools. Retrofitting at all sites has been completed.
Solar Power:
On May 31, ABM’s solar subcontractor revisited Hugh Mercer Elementary School to review solar installation plans.
Pre-School Playground and Sunshade:
Both the pre-school playground and the sunshade project have been completed and are fully usable.
HVAC Project at Hugh Mercer:
The project has been slightly delayed. Permits have been applied for and a subcontractor is scheduled to review the areas where existing equipment will be demoed tomorrow morning. A tentative project timeline has been developed. We expect this project to start shortly.
Summer Boiler Project at Walker Grant:
This project will run concurrently with the HVAC project once a final timeline is developed.
Electric Bus Charging Stations:
The City Planning Department held a Technical Review Committee meeting on May 25th to review the minor site plan for this project. The Planning Department is expediting the approval process from the regular four-week timeline to a two-week approval turnaround. Therefore, we hope to receive approval by the end of the week or the beginning of next week.
Middle School:
Earth is currently being moved to level the site and additional dirt is being redistributed so pads can be poured. Dilapidated buildings on site have been razed. Storm sewers are being installed.
Beginning this month, a committee will be formed to provide guidance in converting the current Walker Grant Middle School into the division’s third elementary school. Additional details will be forthcoming.
May 1, 2023
Mr. Upperco gave an update on facilities.
- LED lighting has started at 1935 building.
- ABM revisited schools to review solar installation plans and finalize. Currently waiting on a report from another vendor on feasibility of solar at JM.
- Preschool shade has been paused for materials that were sent to the wrong location.
- A vendor has been selected to abate lead paint in the air handler units at Hugh Mercer. It must be removed before HVAC work can be done.
- Boiler unit at WGM replacement will be done in tandem with HMES.
- The electric bus charging station minor site plan has been submitted to the city planning department for review.
- The new Middle School site has been fenced. Land has been leveled. Trailer has been installed. Trees have been removed. Several buildings are being removed. Underground utility work to begin soon.
- Groundbreaking is Friday May 5th. Due to space and parking, the invitations had been limited.
Dr. Eberhardt added that foundation will be set in the middle of June.
Dr. Eberhardt provided a safety update.
FCPS was continuing its layered approach to safety, an advanced weapons detection system was tested mid-April. The system includes two lanes to walk through. Approximately three people can pass comfortably at a time. Traditional metal detectors look for metal and only for what it is calibrated. Only one person can walk through a metal detector at a time, and it would not detect where the metal is on the person, so a search needs to be conducted. Advanced weapons detection is much more effective. Approximately 3600 people can walk through in an hour. This system uses smart technology to pinpoint where the item is. The system FCPS looked at also connects with its camera system. The system looks for parts of guns, explosives, and metallics that can be used as projectiles in explosives. Need to train the technology to not detect laptops. Laptop battery bar currently alerts. At this point FCPS was recommending advanced weapons detection and is writing a grant to fund at least one unit.
Safety team consists of FCPS, police, fire, sheriff, emergency services, met on April 19th. Items discussed include metal detectors, weapons detection, clear bags, gang activities.
Bids were being received for 3M window films.
Stop the bleed kits have been ordered and should receive soon. Stop the bleed training for all staff is being planned for August.
Administrators have been required to complete Incident Command System Course100 and 200. Dr. Eberhardt thanked Emergency Services for continued partnership in training.
Lastly, Dr. Eberhardt thanked law enforcement, fire, and emergency services.
It was estimated that the cost of a weapons detection system would be between $400K and $500K.
April 3, 2023
LED Lighting:
LED lighting retrofitting is now in its final stages at Hugh Mercer Elementary School.
The auditorium lighting at James Monroe is now complete.
Solar Power:
On March 29th, a vendor recommended by ABM reassessed the roof at James Monroe High School to evaluate its current condition and to determine whether solar panels might be viable there. We are awaiting the report from the vendor.
Learning Cottages at Lafayette Elementary:
An occupancy permit was issued for the previously unoccupied learning cottage that was moved on site. The two classrooms it contains are now available for SOL testing.
Pre-School Playground and Sunshade:
Work is steadily progressing on the pre-school playground that is designed to provide apparatus for all students with disabilities. Installation of the sunshade on the opposite side of the facility is also well underway.
HVAC Project at Hugh Mercer:
It was discovered that the HVAC equipment scheduled for replacement this summer at Hugh Mercer has lead paint. Consequently, outside vendors who specialize in abating and removing equipment with lead paint are needed for the demolition portion of this project. Two vendors have assessed the areas in question and will be submitting bids to complete this work. Another vendor is being sought to do the same.
Summer Boiler Project at Walker Grant:
This project will run concurrently with the HVAC project once school lets out. It is currently on schedule.
Electric Bus Charging Stations:
As previously communicated, the total number of parking spaces on the James Monroe High School campus is fewer than the current code requires. We have been working with Dominion Power to address and satisfy several comments made by the City Planning Department. A revised minor site plan is expected to be submitted this week for their approval.
Jen Brody and I met with representatives of Sonny Merryman on Friday March 31st. It is possible that they might be able to provide a small portable charger that would enable the school division to take delivery of the first two electric buses soon. We are currently exploring the infrastructure needed to install a portable charger.
March 6, 2023
The following facilities update was given:
1. CTE Cosmetology Lab at James Monroe has been completed and power to the 20 workstations in the Cosmetology lab has been fully upgraded. The lab is fully operable.
2. LED Lighting:
LED lighting retrofitting is now on-going at Hugh Mercer Elementary School.
Both Lafayette Elementary and Walker Grant Middle School have been completed, except for a few minor punch list items.
Cannister lighting fixtures needed to finish the auditorium at James Monroe High School have still not yet arrived. Once they do arrive, they will be installed as quickly as possible.
3. Electric Bus Charging Stations:
As previously communicated, the total number of parking spaces on the James Monroe High School campus are fewer than current code requires. In order for the minor site plan to be approved by the city, a parking study from a third-party vendor must first be conducted. Our partners at Dominion Power are working with the school division to obtain these services. The study will take several weeks once commissioned, which will delay the project’s completion date somewhat.
4. Solar Power:
On February 22nd, a crew from ABM’s solar power sub-contractor examined Hugh Mercer Elementary, Lafayette Elementary, Walker-Grant Middle School, and the Walker-Grant Center. This is a preliminary step in the ultimate installation of solar power panels at these facilities. Once devised, the project schedules at these sites will be communicated to the Board.
The following safety update was given:
Dr. Eberhardt shared that when replacing the LED lights at Walker-Grant Middle School it was discovered that there were emergency batteries in the lights. They were able to replace fifty-seven batteries saving between $5,000 and $7,000. They were also investigating smart metal detectors. The system being investigated will be able to determine weapons other than guns. Stop the bleed kits have been purchased for every classroom, training is being planned. A safety campaign to help students understand the dangers of vaping and opioid use is being planned.
February 15, 2023 (SRO Appreciation)
February 15 is School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day, and FCPS wants to thank our amazing school resources officers. SRO B.K. (James Monroe) and SRO Florio (Walker-Grant) were each presented with a small token of appreciation for all the amazing work they do, keeping our students safe and forming positive connections with them. We are incredibly grateful to have them in our schools! Please enjoy a wider selection of photos below.
February 6, 2023
Safety Coordinator Angie Roenke facilitated the monthly meeting with FCPS leadership, the Fredericksburg Police Department, the Sheriff's Office, and Fire & Rescue. The following updates were shared with the School Board on Monday, February 6th.
- Division wide training for Crisis Management was held on Friday, January 20th, from 9 am to 2 pm. In attendance were each schools crisis management team, the division team, police, sheriff, fire, and EMS. During the training, three scenarios were presented, and each group went through the discussion on what they would do in that specific instance.
- Following that training, schools were asked to review crisis plans in order to be prepared.
- Police have completed training in all school buildings.
- Narcan Training has been completed. Several people completed the train-the-trainer and were given Narcan to personally carry for community issues.
- 4 doors at WGMS will be replaced for security reasons.
- Division leadership is meeting with companies who offer weapons detection systems and integrated camera systems for alerts.
January 10, 2023 Safety Letter from Dr. Catlett
Free Lance-Star article on new middle school and safety updates, January 10, 2022
Presentation from Student-Focused E4
January 9, 2023
The following is a bullet point list from the January 9 school board meeting;
Facilities
- Chiller Training Sessions at Walker Grant Middle School and Lafayette Elementary School
- CTE Cosmetology Lab at James Monroe
- LED Lighting
- Electric Bus Charging Stations
Safety
- Division-wide Crisis Management training
- Breach kit lockers have been installed in all schools
- We are working on sending out a letter to parents and the community reminding people to keep guns locked away from children.
December 5, 2022
November 7, 2022
The following is a bullet point list from the November 7 school board meeting;
Facilities
- Installation of the tandem chillers at LUES.
- LED lighting project
- E-bus charging stations
Safety
- Assurance that necessary materials are available
- Digital maps and coordination with City
- SRO and SSO positions
- Athletic events
- Continued training
October 10, 2022
The following is a bullet point list from the October 10 school board meeting;
Facilities
- HVAC - Lafayette Elementary
- Bioretention Project
- James Monroe High School CTE Project
- Electric Energy Savings - LED Lighting
- E4 Consortium: Environment Energy Efficiency Education
Safety
- September 24 Safety Summit
- September 24 Safety Summit
- Scheduled Safety Trainings
- October 2022 Incident Command System (All Administration)
- January 2023 Tabletop Emergency Preparedness (All Administration)
- All keys have been duplicated as requested
- Additional access cards have been created for Fire Department
September, 2022
School Board (9-12-22) Safety Summit Updates
On Tuesday, August 30, 2022, Dr. Catlett, Dr. Eberhardt, Mike George, and Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent Angie Roenke, and Don Upperco met with Fredericksburg City Law Enforcement and Rescue Services officials.
The following updates were provided:
· James Monroe High School’s SRO Uyuree Brown-Kaleopaa, known as Officer BK, reported that FCPS Staff and Faculty provided positive feedback on the Avoid, Deny, Defend Training that took place August 1 - 5 at each school site. Staff were prepped for safety responses which included focus on escape and how the SWAT team will respond, tourniquet use, and medical and “go” bags. There was universal agreement that children are our number one priority.
· FXBG Law Enforcement teams are enthusiastic about the Upcoming Safety Summit, being held at James Monroe High School on September 24, from 9 - 10 AM. Police Chief Brian Layton arranged for the sharing of the event on Facebook by reposting James Monroe’s post. Chief Layton reported that FXBG Police have 32,000 followers.
· Chief Information Officer Mike George reported that camera systems at all the schools are nearing completion of installation and configurations. Once completed, FXBG police representatives, including Officer BK, will take part in a training on how to use the updated camera systems.
· School leadership teams will engage with the Mobile Command Vehicle and Bearcat under the supervision of Battalion Chief Jack McGovern during the month of October to better understand how emergency response team equipment will be used in the event of a threat.