Is the safety of our children truly a priority in our schools, or are we merely paying lip service to a growing crisis? The recent events at West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Virginia, serve as a stark reminder that the safety of students and staff is not always guaranteed, even within the walls of an educational institution.
West Potomac High School, located at 6500 Quander Road in Alexandria, VA 22307, is a public high school within Fairfax County Public Schools. Its history is rooted in the merging of Groveton and Fort Hunt High Schools in 1985. The schools mascot is a wolverine. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and boasts a robust sports program, with 38 different sports available to students. West Potomac High School is one of 55 high schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools system and is part of FCPS Region 3. The school year office hours are 7:45 a.m.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | West Potomac High School |
| Address | 6500 Quander Road, Alexandria, VA 22307 |
| Established | 1985 (through the merger of Groveton and Fort Hunt High Schools) |
| Original Building Opening | September 1960 (as Bryant Intermediate School) |
| Location | Alexandria, VA, near the Potomac River |
| Mascot | Wolverine |
| School District | Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) |
| Number of High Schools in District | 55 |
| Region | FCPS Region 3 |
| Academic Offerings | AP Courses |
| Sports Offered | 38 |
| Main Office | 6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307 |
| School Year Office Hours | 7:45 a.m. |
| Inclement Weather Decisions | Determined by FCPS |
The school is situated in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County, positioned near significant landmarks such as George Washington's Mount Vernon mansion. The schools history includes the original building opening in September 1960, initially as Bryant Intermediate School. The school's vision, mission, and beliefs are available to view, as well as access to the curriculum, programs, policies, and resources for students and staff.
Recent events, however, have cast a shadow over the school's idyllic setting. On a Wednesday, a fight erupted between students within the school, leaving one student with serious injuries. The incident, which occurred around 9:40 a.m. in a hallway near classrooms, prompted a swift response from local police and school officials. The injured student is now reported to be stable. The incident unfolded just weeks after Fairfax County Public Schools had announced increased safety measures, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining a secure environment in educational settings. Jessica Statz, can be contacted at [email protected]
The incident underscores the critical need for a multi-faceted approach to school safety. In the aftermath, the communitys collective thoughts, prayers, and support were directed towards the injured student, the staff, and all students of West Potomac High School who have been affected by this act of violence. The focus should be on not only addressing the immediate consequences but also on implementing comprehensive strategies to prevent such events from occurring in the future.
The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) determines all decisions related to inclement weather cancellations, delays, and procedures. This ensures a consistent approach to school operations during adverse weather conditions. Communication with families is crucial, and in this instance, seniors and their families will receive communication from the finance office if there are outstanding obligations by May 1, 2025, with reminders to follow. Checks should be made out to West Potomac High School.
The recent events serve as a stark reminder of the reality that schools are not immune to violence, and the need for constant vigilance and proactive measures to protect students. It also highlights the important role of community involvement, communication, and comprehensive safety plans in creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
The merging of Groveton and Fort Hunt High Schools in 1985 created what is now West Potomac High School. The building initially opened in September 1960 as Bryant Intermediate School and has been serving the educational needs of the community.
The schools location near the Potomac River, close to historical landmarks such as Mount Vernon, underscores its significance within the larger community. The school is committed to providing a high-quality education for its students. However, the recent incident serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and the importance of working together to ensure the safety and well-being of all.
The incident that took place on April 23, involved a fight between three students in a hallway near the classrooms, prompted a rapid response. The school is actively working with law enforcement and the community to address the situation and promote a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff. The communitys hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the injured student and the entire West Potomac High School community during this difficult time.
For more information regarding West Potomac High School, you can visit the Fairfax County Public Schools website.
