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More Students Than Ever Stressed Over College Admissions, New Survey Says: Here's Why More Students Than Ever Stressed Over College Admissions, New Survey Says: Here's Why
More Students Than Ever Stressed Over College Admissions, New Survey Says: Here's Why For high school seniors, spring is a nerve-wracking time as college decisions roll in — but the class of 2025 is more stressed than ever, according to a new survey. The Princeton Review said 73 percent of students and parents reported "high" or "very high" stress over the admissions process. That's the highest level in the 23-year history of the College Hopes & Worries Survey, which had its 2025 edition released on Tuesday, Mar. 4. The 2025 survey polled 9,317 students and parents about a wide variety of college-related issues. Financial Pressures, Testing, AI Concerns Financial s…

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by Chris Spiker
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Three VA Colleges Named To Most Beautiful Campuses In US List: See Why Three VA Colleges Named To Most Beautiful Campuses In US List: See Why
Three VA Colleges Named To Most Beautiful Campuses In US List: See Why Choosing a college is about more than academics, sports, and social life — campus beauty can also make a lasting impression. Travel magazine Conde Nast released its 2025 list of the 54 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the United States. Across the Northeast, several schools stand out for their historic architecture, stunning landscapes, and picturesque settings. Whether framed by rolling hills, autumn foliage, or Gothic spires, these colleges offer students an inspiring backdrop for their studies. Connecticut Wesleyan University was recognized for utilizing Greek Revival a…

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by Chris Spiker
Schools
Gun-Toting Men Brought Weapon To Elementary School In Fairfax County: Police Gun-Toting Men Brought Weapon To Elementary School In Fairfax County: Police
Gun-Toting Men Brought Weapon To Elementary School In Fairfax County: Police Two Virginia men were arrested after brandishing a handgun on elementary school property in Hybla Valley, sending students into a panic before fleeing the scene, police said. Officers responded to Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School around 2:53 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, after multiple students reported seeing two men on school grounds, with one of them flashing a gun, according to Fairfax County Police. By the time officers arrived, the suspects had already taken off, but police worked with school officials to secure the building and ensure a safe dismissal, authorities said. A search of…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
'Active Attacker' With Knife Leads To Shelter-In-Place Order At University Of Virginia 'Active Attacker' With Knife Leads To Shelter-In-Place Order At University Of Virginia
'Active Attacker' With Knife Leads To Shelter-In-Place Order At University Of Virginia The University of Virginia faced its second lockdown this week after reports of a knife-wielding attacker near campus, officials said. On Thursday, Feb. 27, UVA Police issued an emergency alert about an active attacker with a knife near 100 Emmet St. S., across from Alumni Hall.  The suspect was initially described as a white man wearing a red hoodie and blue sweatpants. Later updates described him wearing a white T-shirt, blue sweatpants, and white shoes. The alert, posted at 5:03 p.m., advised students and staff to shelter in place, marking the second such incident this week.  …

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Students Sold Magic Mushroom-Laced Candy At Virginia High School: Police Students Sold Magic Mushroom-Laced Candy At Virginia High School: Police
Students Sold Magic Mushroom-Laced Candy At Virginia High School: Police Two Woodbridge teenagers are facing serious charges after allegedly selling candy bars laced with a controlled substance to fellow students at Hylton High School, according to Prince William County Police. An investigation was launched last week, when a School Resource Officer assigned to the building was notified of a pair distributing the items. Police say that on Friday, Feb. 14, two 17-year-old students—one male and one female—reportedly sold candy bars suspected of containing psilocybin mushrooms, a hallucinogenic substance, to another student on school grounds. The scheme came to lig…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Gunfire Reported At Middle School In Loudoun County: Sheriff Investigating Gunfire Reported At Middle School In Loudoun County: Sheriff Investigating
Gunfire Reported At Middle School In Loudoun County: Sheriff Investigating Gunfire rang out on the campus of Stone Hill Middle School in Ashburn, prompting an active investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), officials said on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, according to an LCSO spokesperson. Deputies remained at the scene on Tuesday, Feb. 25, to continue the investigation, though authorities assured the public there is no ongoing threat. “At this time, we believe the incident is isolated to the parties involved and there is no ongoing threat to the community,” the LCSO said. Anyone who was in the area on Sun…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Student Brought Gun To High School In Virginia: Police Student Brought Gun To High School In Virginia: Police
Student Brought Gun To High School In Virginia: Police Quick thinking by a Fairfax County student and rapid response from officers helped avert a potential incident at Edison High School, authorities said. Shortly after school started on Thursday, Feb. 20, a student notified the school resource officer (SRO) about a classmate who might have a firearm on campus, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. The SRO immediately called for backup, and officers located a 16-year-old student in possession of the weapon. "No one was injured," police said. "Officers will remain on the property to ensure safety in the area." The teen was arreste…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
VA's Education System Ranks Among Nation's Best In New Study: Find Out Why VA's Education System Ranks Among Nation's Best In New Study: Find Out Why
VA's Education System Ranks Among Nation's Best In New Study: Find Out Why Several Northeast states are among the most educated in the US, excelling in school quality, college attainment, and overall academic achievement, a new study said. Massachusetts was ranked as the country's most-educated state, according to a WalletHub study released on Monday, Feb. 10. Maryland was second, followed by Vermont, Colorado, and Connecticut in the top five. The study analyzed all 50 states using 18 factors, including educational attainment, quality, and achievement gaps. "There's a strong correlation between being more educated and receiving higher compensation," said Wal…

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by Chris Spiker
Schools
Schools Schedule Closures, Delays In Virginia Amid Latest Snow Storm Schools Schedule Closures, Delays In Virginia Amid Latest Snow Storm
Schools Schedule Closures, Delays In Virginia Amid Latest Snow Storm Many schools in Maryland and Virginia will be closed on Wednesday as the region continues to contend with the latest batch of winter weather that brought inches of snow and ice. Some schools were disrupted on Tuesday and dismissed students early, and even more are planning to close for the day on Wednesday, Feb. 12 with as many as six inches accumulating in some areas, leaving conditions on roadways tricky. Among the schools reported to be altering their dismissal times as of 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday:  Alexandria City Public Schools: All virtual; Arlington County Public Schools: Closed W…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Schools Schedule Closures, Early Dismissals In Virginia With Snow Storm Incoming Schools Schedule Closures, Early Dismissals In Virginia With Snow Storm Incoming
Schools Schedule Closures, Early Dismissals In Virginia With Snow Storm Incoming With a snow and ice storm expected to batter Maryland and Virginia, some schools announced that there would be some closures and early dismissals on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Upwards of six inches of snow are expected in parts of the region, forecasters warn, and road conditions are expected to be tricky. Among the schools reported to be altering their dismissal times as of 6:45 p.m. on Monday:  Alexandria Country Day School: Closing at 1:00 PM; Arlington County Public Schools: Closing two hours early; Calvert County Public Schools: Closing two hours early; Christ Chapel Academy: Closed on…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Teacher’s Assistant Shows Up Drunk To High School In Loudoun County: Sheriff Teacher’s Assistant Shows Up Drunk To High School In Loudoun County: Sheriff
Teacher’s Assistant Shows Up Drunk To High School In Loudoun County: Sheriff A teacher’s assistant at a Loudoun County high school is facing charges after allegedly showing up intoxicated on campus in the middle of the school day, authorities said. Travis Jones, a staff member at Park View High School in Sterling, was arrested for public intoxication on Friday, Feb. 7, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. The school resource officer (SRO) assigned to the building was alerted around 11:55 a.m. that Jones appeared to be under the influence while at work, officials said. After an investigation, authorities determined his condition warranted an arrest, and …

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Substitute Teacher Slaps Elementary School Student In Virginia: Police Substitute Teacher Slaps Elementary School Student In Virginia: Police
Substitute Teacher Slaps Elementary School Student In Virginia: Police A Virginia substitute teacher is facing charges after allegedly slapping a 6-year-old student inside an elementary school classroom, authorities said. Officers responded to Covington-Harper Elementary School in Dumfries around 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, to investigate reports of an assault, according to the Prince William County Police Department. Investigators determined that 59-year-old Amita Kumar, of Woodbridge, was working as a substitute teacher when she allegedly struck a young girl during class. The student sustained minor injuries, police said. Following an investigation, Kumar…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Schools Schedule Delays In Virginia With Snow, Ice Storm Incoming Schools Schedule Delays In Virginia With Snow, Ice Storm Incoming
Schools Schedule Delays In Virginia With Snow, Ice Storm Incoming With a snow and ice storm expected to batter Maryland and Virginia, some schools announced that there would be delayed openings in the region on Thursday, Feb. 4.  Among the schools reported to be closed include:  Arlington County Public Schools: 2 hours delayed arrival; Barrie School: Delayed 2 hours; Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School: 2 hours delayed arrival; Clarke County Public Schools: Delayed 2 hours; Culpeper County Public Schools: Delayed 2 hours; Fairfax Baptist Temple Academy: Delayed 2 hours; Fairfax Christian School: Delayed 2 hours; Fairfax County Public Schools: …

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by Zak Failla
Schools
New Study Reveals Shocking Amount Of Phone Use By Teens While At School New Study Reveals Shocking Amount Of Phone Use By Teens While At School
New Study Reveals Shocking Amount Of Phone Use By Teens While At School A brand-new study has uncovered surprising trends in teen phone use during school hours, raising fresh concerns about digital distractions in the classroom. The study, published by JAMA Pediatrics on Monday, Feb. 3, found that students spent a significant portion of the school day on their phones, with messaging, Instagram, and video streaming among the most-used apps. Researchers also noted that a quarter of students logged more than two hours of screen time during class. In addition, students whose parents held bachelor’s degrees or higher spent about a half-hour less on their phones dur…

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
Substitute Teacher From Loudoun County Assaulted Student During School Hours: Police Substitute Teacher From Loudoun County Assaulted Student During School Hours: Police
Substitute Teacher From Loudoun County Assaulted Student During School Hours: Police A substitute teacher at Dogwood Elementary School in Fairfax County has been arrested and charged after allegedly assaulting a student during school hours, authorities said. Rakshanda Jaiban, 44, of Sterling, turned herself in and was served a summons releasable charge for simple assault, according to police. The investigation was launched in September 2024, when Child Protective Services received a report that a student had been assaulted by a substitute teacher at the school.  The student sustained minor injuries, police said.  Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Departm…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Former Loudoun County Students Among 64 Killed In Mid-Air DC Plane Crash Former Loudoun County Students Among 64 Killed In Mid-Air DC Plane Crash
Former Loudoun County Students Among 64 Killed In Mid-Air DC Plane Crash Multiple former Loudoun County students were among the dozens killed in the Wednesday, Jan. 29 plane crash over the Potomac River, district officials confirmed. "This unimaginable loss has deeply affected our community, and with great sorrow, we have learned that multiple victims were former LCPS students," Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence said in a letter to the community. "Many other Loudoun families have also been impacted, and we extend our deepest condolences to all those grieving in the wake of this tragedy." Officials did not release the identities of the victims but confirmed th…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Bill Belichick's Recruiting Trail Hits DMV Catholic Schools Bill Belichick's Recruiting Trail Hits DMV Catholic Schools
Bill Belichick's Recruiting Trail Hits DMV Catholic Schools Some coaching legends came together in Maryland on Thursday, Jan. 16. Former New England Patriots legend Bill Belichick made a pitstop at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville to check in with Sports Illustrated's Maryland Coach of the Year Bill McGregor. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DeMatha High School (@demathacatholic) McGregor has been a fixture at Dematha Catholic for decades, leading them to multiple championships and undefeated seasons. He led the DeMatha (10-1) back to the state championship, when they won their…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Alleged DUI Driver Strikes School Bus In Virginia: Sheriff Alleged DUI Driver Strikes School Bus In Virginia: Sheriff
Alleged DUI Driver Strikes School Bus In Virginia: Sheriff A midday crash involving a school bus and a driver allegedly under the influence caused a stir in Virginia on Wednesday afternoon, authorities say. Kira T. Joiner, 30, is facing charges following a crash on Lee Highway in Warrenton that involved the bus - which was empty at the time. According to the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, first responders were called to the intersection of Route 29 at Nordix Drive when a Camry driven by the Sumerduck resident struck a school bus, though no injuries were reported. The driver of the Camry was arrested and char…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Student Caught With Guns, Drugs In Vehicle Parked At High School In Spotsy: Sheriff Student Caught With Guns, Drugs In Vehicle Parked At High School In Spotsy: Sheriff
Student Caught With Guns, Drugs In Vehicle Parked At High School In Spotsy: Sheriff An improperly parked car in the Massaponax High School lot led to a startling discovery on Tuesday, when administrators and law enforcement uncovered two firearms and marijuana inside the vehicle, authorities in Spotsylvania said. The trouble began when school officials noticed a car parked without a permit on Jan. 14, prompting further investigation.  Working with the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to the building, members of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office tracked down the vehicle, which belonged to a student in class.  Upon approaching the car, a strong odor o…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Lifelong Educator Entering Hospice Care After Battle With Cancer 'Touched So Many' Lifelong Educator Entering Hospice Care After Battle With Cancer 'Touched So Many'
Lifelong Educator Entering Hospice Care After Battle With Cancer 'Touched So Many' A beloved teacher and mother of two who bravely battled cancer before it returned one last time is being remembered for her decades educating children in the region. Kym Hurley, a lifelong educator who was forced to retire due to her health conditions, has entered hospice care, organizers of a long-running GoFundMe campaign for her family confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. Hurley, who has taught children for more than 30 years - and would have taught or another 30 if her health permitted, friends say - put on a courageous years-long fight with the disease. The teacher is being remembered for …

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Snow Way! These Maryland, Virginia School Districts Announce Tuesday Closures (UPDATED) Snow Way! These Maryland, Virginia School Districts Announce Tuesday Closures (UPDATED)
Snow Way! These Maryland, Virginia School Districts Announce Tuesday Closures (Updated) Some students are celebrating - and some parents are mourning - as school districts in Maryland and Virginia begin announcing closures for Tuesday.  With the first snowstorm of 2025 rolling through the region, most schools were closed on Monday, Jan. 6, and some districts chose to be proactive and called off classes on Tuesday as a precaution. As of 5:30 p.m. on Monday, these districts have announced closures:  Maryland Anne Arundel County Public Schools; Baltimore County Public Schools; Calvert County Public Schools; Charles County Public Schools; College of Southern Maryland;…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Virginia Teacher Sold Vapes To Students, Police Say Virginia Teacher Sold Vapes To Students, Police Say
Virginia Teacher Sold Vapes To Students, Police Say An Alexandria woman teaching at a Falls Church High School has been accused of selling vape cartridges loaded with nicotine and THC to her own students, police said. Detectives with the Major Crimes Bureau’s Child Abuse Squad arrested Kaitlyn Cresent, 28, on Monday, Dec. 30, following a two-month investigation, according to Fairfax County police. The investigation began in October 2024, after Child Protective Services received a tip alleging Cresent had been selling vape cartridges to students at school, and detectives determined the sales occurred between December 2023 and June 2024 a…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Some DMV Schools Closing Early Due To Inclement Weather: Here's The Latest Breakdown Some DMV Schools Closing Early Due To Inclement Weather: Here's The Latest Breakdown
Some DMV Schools Closing Early Due To Inclement Weather: Here's The Latest Breakdown With rain expected to turn to snow across parts of Maryland and Virginia, some school districts are being proactive and have already announced early dismissals or closures for students and staff. A Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, and I-95 corridor through central Maryland, northern Virginia, and District of Columbia. Temperatures are expected to continue dropping over the weekend, with a wintry mix expected on Sunday night into Monday. Rain and snow will develop across the region today with higher snow accu…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Teacher At Virginia Middle School Accused Of Assaulting Student: Police Teacher At Virginia Middle School Accused Of Assaulting Student: Police
Teacher At Virginia Middle School Accused Of Assaulting Student: Police A teacher at Rippon Middle School in Woodbridge is facing charges after allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old student during a classroom altercation earlier this month, police say. Charges have been obtained for 50-year-old Gail Latasha Hill following an incident on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the school in the 15100 block of Blackburn Road involving the teen student. According to investigators from the Prince William County Police Department, Hill was allegedly involved in a verbal dispute with the student, and during the encounter, Hill allegedly swung her shoulder, striking the student and causing h…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Slurring School Bus Driver Arrested For DUI With Students On Board In Virginia, Sheriff Says Slurring School Bus Driver Arrested For DUI With Students On Board In Virginia, Sheriff Says
Slurring School Bus Driver Arrested For DUI With Students On Board In Virginia, Sheriff Says A Virginia school bus driver is facing DUI and child endangerment charges after authorities say he drove part of a route with children onboard before being stopped by a school aid. Deputies in Hanover County were called to Laurel Meadow Elementary School around 3:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, where there was a report of a bus driver possibly experiencing a medical issue.  When deputies arrived, they found 68-year-old Danny Ray Spence, of Henrico, showing signs of impairment, including slurred speech and the smell of alcohol on him, according to the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Inves…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Violence at Virginia High School Prompts Virtual Classes, Increased Police Patrols In Area Violence at Virginia High School Prompts Virtual Classes, Increased Police Patrols In Area
Violence at Virginia High School Prompts Virtual Classes, Increased Police Patrols In Area With winter break fast approaching in Alexandria, students and educators are grappling with unrest following a series of fights that reverberated throughout the community. Around noon on Wednesday, Dec. 18, chaos erupted at Alexandria City High School when two school resource officers responded to reports of multiple fights breaking out in hallways and the cafeteria, according to police. Alexandria Public Schools Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt called the incidents "disheartening and concerning," while announcing that there will be no in-person instruction at any ACHS campus on Thursd…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
‘Curiosity Killed The Cat’: Students Face Charges After Prank At Virginia High School ‘Curiosity Killed The Cat’: Students Face Charges After Prank At Virginia High School
‘Curiosity Killed The Cat’: Students Face Charges After Prank At Virginia High School Two Stafford High School students learned the hard way that curiosity doesn’t always end well after pulling a fire alarm “just to see what would happen,” authorities said. The incident happened Monday at 12:40 p.m. at Stafford High School on Stafford Indians Lane, according to the sheriff's office. Deputy R.B. Brooks and Fire Marshal J. Ennis responded to a fire alarm activation that wasn’t part of a scheduled drill, officials said, and while reviewing security footage, the pair identified two students as the culprits behind the false alarm. When questioned about their actions, the student…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Dr. Jill Biden Teaches Final Class At NOVA Ahead Of White House Departure Dr. Jill Biden Teaches Final Class At NOVA Ahead Of White House Departure
Dr. Jill Biden Teaches Final Class At Nova Ahead Of White House Departure President Joe Biden won’t be the only member of his family stepping away from office next month. Dr. Jill Biden announced this week during a virtual "thank you" event that she has taught her final class at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in Alexandria after joining the staff in 2009 teaching English courses.  The first lady has served as an English professor at the school for more than a decade while balancing her duties in the White House. Her move comes just over a month before the Bidens are set to leave the White House. It remains unclear whether Jill Biden, 73, plans …

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm Fewer high school graduates began college this fall, with enrollment in that age group dropping 5 percent from last year, according to an analysis by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.  Four-year institutions were hardest hit, with public colleges seeing an 8.5 percent drop in first-year enrollments and private nonprofit colleges reporting a 6.5 percent decline.  This trend poses significant challenges for colleges and universities, particularly those reliant on tuition revenue.  As the competition for students intensifies, institutions face mounting pressur…

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
Swastika, Inappropriate Images Found Inside Classroom At Virginia High School: Police Swastika, Inappropriate Images Found Inside Classroom At Virginia High School: Police
Swastika, Inappropriate Images Found Inside Classroom At Virginia High School: Police A disturbing act of vandalism has prompted an investigation at Patriot High School in Nokesville after inappropriate images, including a swastika, were found inside a classroom. The incident was reported to the School Resource Officer on Monday, Dec. 11, according to the Prince William County Police Department, and the officer discovered the symbols drawn on a partition inside the classroom, police said. The markings, which included the swastika and other inappropriate images, did not contain threats directed at students or staff, authorities noted.  No other vandalism was reported el…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
Instagram Post Prompts Threat Investigation At Virginia High School Instagram Post Prompts Threat Investigation At Virginia High School
Instagram Post Prompts Threat Investigation At Virginia High School A 15-year-old Woodbridge student has been charged after an Instagram threat against Potomac High School in Dumfries sparked an investigation, authorities said. The threat was first reported anonymously on Dec. 8 through a tip, according to the Prince William County Police Department.  The School Resource Officer (SRO) at Potomac High School, located on Panther Pride Drive, launched an investigation and identified the student behind the post. Police confirmed there was no credible threat to the school or the safety of students and staff, but a detention order was obtained on Dec. 10. T…

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by Zak Failla