School Security Enhancements Made After Alexandria Student's Death

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After a student was killed in a stabbing during an off-campus fight, Alexandria City High School will continue virtual learning for most, while limited students will have in-person school with additional security measures.

Last Tuesday, police had responded to a large group fight at the Bradlee Shopping Center, which is near Alexandria City High School. Police said one person was critically injured and taken to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries. Principal Peter Balas later identified the student as Luis Mejia Hernandez, a senior at Alexandria City High School.

In light of Hernandez's death, Alexandria City High School campuses were transitioned to virtual learning for the remainder of the week. The decision was attributed to the school community processing the loss of Hernandez and the ongoing police investigation.

During the week of May 31 to June 3, Alexandria City High School's four campuses will have a modified return, Balas told families. The only students who will report for in-person learning will be seniors who need to complete graduation requirements, seniors who must participate in graduation rehearsal on June 3, students who must fulfill SOL or other required testing, and students in the city-wide specialized instructional program. All other high school students will be in virtual learning.

Alexandria City High School's senior class is set to graduate on Saturday, June 4. Balas said seniors who need to take a test or complete coursework for graduation should report for in-person learning.

"During this modified return, the school will focus on social, emotional and academic learning to help fulfill critical in-person graduation requirements and provide students with the social-emotional support they need," Balas wrote to families. "The ACHS staff will be working from their classrooms to provide asynchronous instruction, proctor SOL exams and be available to any student in need of in-person social-emotional support or socialization."

Balas also said a threat at the Minnie Howard campus was investigated by Alexandria Police and found to be not credible.

For students set to return Tuesday, Balas said additional security measures are planned. Additional Alexandria Police Department detail officer support and security officers will be sent to the King Street and Minnie Howard high school campuses. School leaders are working with Alexandria Police, city leaders and Bradlee Shopping Center representatives on other potential measures.

Students will need their school ID or other ID card to access Alexandria City High School campuses starting on Tuesday, according to Balas. Administrators will check photo ID upon arrival by bus. Students being dropped off should go to the Chinquapin side of the building and show identification at the doors. Students who drive should park as usual and show identification at the rotunda doors. Any students without identification will be routed to a location to get an ID card.

Select entry and access points at the King Street and Minnie Howard campuses will be restricted, Balas wrote to families. Additional staff will be present to monitor entry and exit doors.

To reduce hallway traffic for the rest of the school year, classes will transition through schoolwide announcements, Balas wrote to families. At the King Street campus, classes will be dismissed by floor at the end of each period. At the Minnie Howard Campus, classes will be dismissed by hallway (lower level, gym, second floor and media center hallways in one group, and Braddock Road and Main Street hallways in another group).

During the lunch block, Lunch & Learn will be held in two 35-minute sessions at the King Street campus. During that time, students will have a limited basis to locations on campus with regular staff supervision. King Street Campus students can continue to eat outdoors at designated areas but cannot leave campus. The Minnie Howard Campus will continue its regular Lunch & Learn schedule. Outdoor eating areas have limited access due to construction. Both campuses will have area and hallway supervision with increased staff on duty.

Dismissal times will be staggered to reduce the volume of students exiting at one time, Balas told families. Dismissals will be done by hallway. Some students may arrive later than usual due to the staggered dismissal times. Athletic competitions will take place at away fields for the rest of the school year. Balas said the high school administration "will review all after-school activities to ensure that student events are fully supported."

For students who still need to take Standards of Learning assessments, the Titan Testing Team will contact them. Seniors who need SOL testing to graduate will begin testing Tuesday. Questions about testing may be directed to titantestingteam@acps.k12.va.us.

"We thank you all for your continued patience and understanding as we have rescheduled activities and made other changes to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of our students and staff," Balas shared with families. "It is in times like these that we are especially grateful to have the resilience and support of the Titan community."

Resources for students who need counseling or other support will be available for the rest of the school year virtually or in person. More counseling supports will be available starting Tuesday morning throughout the week. Alexandria City High School campuses will also continue community circles that have happened during the virtual learning. Students may also contact CrisisText at CONNECT to 85511 or call CrisisLink at 703-527-4077 any time of day.