Newport News deputies supporting school safety plan

Sheriff Morgan is getting involved to help Newport News Public Schools keep students safe at school.

In light of incidents involving students and guns, including the January 6, 2023 shooting of a teacher by a six-old Richneck Elementary student, sheriff’s deputies will soon be present as students arrive at school and when they leave. The Richneck teacher survived and is recovering.

It’s just one of the measures included in the system’s enhanced safety plan detailed in the Newport News School Board’s February 21 meeting.

NNPS Chief of Staff Rashard Wright said, “Thank you to Sheriff Morgan. Our sheriff’s deputies will be visiting our schools at arrival and dismissal to be visible and also to stop in and speak with our administrators and teachers and to provide support.”

The Newport News School Board is working to ease fears and address concerns of parents, students, and staff after the Richneck incident, weapons brought to school by students, and threatening behavior by students that include verbal threats, social media posts, and text messages.

Newport News Public Schools also will have additional security officers and weapons detection systems, which officials stress are more sensitive and more versatile than standard metal detectors. The security officers and staff are being trained now. The school system expects to have these and other measures in place by March 14.

Sheriff Morgan and NNSO deputies know it’s important to create positive relationships with youngsters.

Each year, they tutor children in Title I elementary schools.

They also make daily visits to meet with students at An Achievable Dream Middle and High School. Deputies greet these Dreamers, as they’re called, with handshakes and fist bumps, conduct uniform inspections, often recite positive affirmations, help build character and confidence, and more.

Being involved with our students at school – it’s one way that the NNSO shows it is committed to making a difference.