Category: News

Montgomery County School Board along with 4 other NRV schools have adopted a gun safety initiative modeled after BeSmart a national program focused on educating students and parents. The vote was unanimous in April 2024.

At the meeting on April 9th, Superintendent Dr. Bernard Bragen Jr. said:

 “If there’s a way to be proactive and potentially save lives, it’s worth looking into. Passing this resolution will help us remind our parents and guardians how important it is to keep firearms away from children.”’

The BeSmart Program:

The program is modeled after the nationwide program BeSmart, that focuses on educating children and also parents to promote responsible gun ownership. Similar policies have been adopted by Fairfax County School District, Albemarle County Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools, and Charlottesville City Schools.

S, stands for secure, asking parents to appropriately store guns away safely locked and unloaded in both the home and the vehicle.

M for modeling responsible behavior around guns.

A, for asking other parents and adults about loaded guns in other homes in order to prevent an accident ask.

R stands for recognizing the role guns play in suicide and violence.

T for tell others. Encourage others to practice the same management tools when it comes to protecting the safety of all.

Gun Violence in the Community:

Statistically, the numbers can be alarming:

• More than 700 children living in American die by gun suicide each year
• Nearly 360 children unintentionally harm themselves or others
• 3/4 of school shooters acquire their firearm from a relative.
• In 2024 there were at least 139 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 42 deaths and 91 injuries nationally.

But it has touched the community personally too. These are no longer “just numbers.” Too many parents and children have dealt with their own first-hand experience with gun violence. From the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, to the recent lockdown on September 13^th where Wheaton and Edison high schools were placed on lockdown due to a potential gun threat.

However, guns are the leading cause of death amongst teens both on and off school grounds. This November is the year anniversary of 17-year old high school senior Serenity Hawley’s death in what was believed to be a murder-suicide in a parking garage located in Blacksburg, VA.

What’s Next for Schools:

After tragedy strikes in a community it is easy to look back and wonder what could have been done differently, or what measures could have prevented situation before they even began. “Recently, the Montgomery County School Board passed a resolution directing me to work to increase awareness among our students, families, and staff about the importance of secure gun storage,” said Bragen Jr. in a letter sent out to families.

The letter is a brief overview of safety as well as resources for parents. Virginia Firearm Safety Device Tax Credit will reimburse up to $300 for a gun safe.

Along with printed material and resources made available to all students, the school have also integrated firearm safety into the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse and Resistance Education) program. The school, local government, as well as police forces are all trying to increase awareness and step up to play their part in the community.

Yet, it is a combination effort from everyone to ensure that everyone has a safe place to learn and work. Many schools have implemented other safety measures including metal detectors and increased security, however that can curate a nervous, unstable atmosphere for young kids as well as their parents. Right now, is the time to make the changes necessary so that the kids of our community can feel safe and cared for in their school system.