Henrico County Public Schools parents’ hopes, concerns for upcoming school year

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Henrico County parents have big hopes, but also some concerns for the upcoming school year.  

It may come as a shock to no one, but safety and cell phones are top of mind. 8News talked to a dozen parents at Henrico’s Back to School Kickoff yesterday who echoed support and opposition to the county’s policy around these topics.

“If there’s an instance where I need to be able to reach my child, it being in the pouch isn’t beneficial for my child," said Laquisha Brown, a mother of three HCPS children. 

According to the county, "Every classroom will have pouches or containers where devices can be securely stored when they are not in student backpacks." 

Brown has three children in Henrico schools -- Harvie Elementary, Fairfield Middle and Highland Springs High School -- and while she understands the distraction cell phones can be...   

“I disagree with it to a certain extent," Brown said.

Being able to get ahold of her child takes precedence.  

“It’s been a struggle with socialization so I think that this is a good step forward so that the students can be present," said Jacquelyn Edwards, a grandmother of a first grader at Mehfoud Elementary.

Back to School Guide for Henrico County Public Schools

Edwards went through the Henrico school system, as did her children and now granddaughter. She thinks the no cell phone policy will help with more than just attention levels.

“It also can cut down on conflict and kids learning how to truly resolve conflict without going to social media," Edwards said.

School divisions across the country have battled this debate over the past few years. Henrico isn’t the only central Virginia school district taking up similar restrictions or a complete ban. Chesterfield, Richmond City and Hanover are just a few following similar policy. 

As for overall safety in the schools, every K-12 campus is now equipped with weapons detectors.  

But Brown, who works as a security guard, is skeptical about its effectiveness.   

"There’s been a time or two at one of my children’s schools where I went in, in uniform, and I had to turn back around just to realize that it didn’t even go off," Brown said.  

Edwards believes even the visibility of security can help students feel safer.    

“We were out one day, she saw the security guard at her school, and I didn’t even realize that the elementary schools had security," Edwards said. "And she was like, ‘Oh, he’s the security guard.’ And she was so happy. And so, I know that that’s important.”  

Even with policy discourse, Brown and Edwards both give HCPS a thumbs up.   

“It’s a school system that I’m comfortable with having my children in," Brown said.  

“Last school year was great and I’m hoping for an even better school year," Edwards said. "I’m happy that she’s a part of Henrico County Public Schools.”  

The first day of school in Henrico is August 18.