Police arrested a freshman during fifth period today after his teacher reported to security that the student had a pellet gun.
“There was no intention to inflict harm,” principal Alan Goodwin said. “It was more like for show and tell, but the student did bring a potentially dangerous item that could have done damage.”
The student had shown his classmates the pellet gun earlier in the day, but no student reported it until fourth period, when a classmate informed his teacher. Security confiscated the student’s air gun and pellets from his backpack.
“I’m proud that a student eventually came forward and helped us combat the potentially dangerous situation,” Goodwin said.
The student faces 10 days suspension and a recommendation for expulsion.
During eighth period, Goodwin made a PA announcement informing students and staff of the incident. He sent a letter home with students reiterating the same explanation.
Though a similar incident occurred on Dec. 10 when police arrested two students for bringing a stun gun to school, Goodwin said he’s optimistic that the isolated incidents wouldn’t create a negative perception of the school as a whole.
“There will be no official steps taken by the school to address the two situations but I will continue to remind students to be careful about what they bring to school,” Goodwin said. “I will also email parents, encouraging them to be more vigilant at home in overseeing what their students carry with them.”
In his email to WhitNet the night of the incident, Goodwin wrote that the school is still a safe place for students and reminded parents to talk to their children about weapon-use.
“The incidents are serious, but not an indication of increasing violence,” Goodwin wrote. “What is alarming is the fact that some students still make bad decisions despite a range of warnings, so I am asking all parents to review with students what is appropriate to have in school and what is not. Remember, you have parental rights and responsibilities to help your students stay safe.”
John Cantwell • Sep 22, 2011 at 12:05 pm
I think a recommendation for expulsion was a bit much. Im not going to lie ive brought mine to school on fridays before so I could go to my friends house afterward without stopping by. As long as it was for that sole purpose, I think thats ridiculous
Spock • Jan 11, 2011 at 9:05 am
@Freshman If people understood the dangers of being recommended for expulsion, then they shouldn’t bring the things to school.
Spock • Jan 11, 2011 at 8:49 am
It is usually good to get both sides of the story, but if the other side is “I was just brining it to show off.” then I could care less, you brought a “weapon” to school… maybe think about it beforehand.
Freshman • Jan 10, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Agree with A. Geek–even though I’m not part of the journalism at our school I think that it’s important for all newspapers to get both sides of the story. I don’t know if it’s because there was only so much room you were allowed to use or what, but it’d be better (not to mention more interesting) if we heard the students’ talk a bit. I distantly know the pellet gun kid, and I don’t think he’d hurt anyone. Both incidents were just a means of showing off, I’m sure. At any rate, not all of us freshmen would bring in weapons, especially with the danger of being recommended for expulsion.
anon • Jan 10, 2011 at 11:37 am
@A Geek – you’re absolutely right. the B&W needs to tell the whole story.
A. Geek • Jan 9, 2011 at 6:25 pm
What’s the point of suspending students if they’re simply lacking common sense? Everyone agrees that they meant no harm yet the punishment feels like they meant to hurt people. And how come we only get to hear Principal Goodwin’s statements? Why not statements from the students who brought in these things? The Black & White needs to get its act in gear and not simply repeat statements from the Administration without subjecting them to scrutiny.
anonymous • Jan 6, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Wasn’t it a taser-like object and not a taser?
anon • Jan 6, 2011 at 8:48 am
i am a freshman, i think everyone needs to chill out. people can be stupid if they want to be, it is their decision. just let them be. forget about it. they also need to learn from their mistakes!!!!!!!! and judging and commenting about it to them will not help.
to lazy • Jan 5, 2011 at 9:09 pm
honestly the black and white is blowing this way out of proportion. both the STUN GUN indecent not (TAZER)and the air soft gun thing, was where kids that i know vary well just wanted to bring and show off. I know that they were stupid and they new their consequences. Its also funny cause the black and white gets some of the their info wrong. Get the real facts!!!!! and dont blow it out of proportion. 😀
some girl • Jan 5, 2011 at 2:46 pm
our grade…..oh my god. im a freshman and agree completely, some of these kids, NEED TO CHILL OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rumptin Ojala • Jan 5, 2011 at 12:54 pm
OMG boyy these freshies have to get it togethor like meh mama says no way ho say
anon • Jan 5, 2011 at 11:13 am
wow. this makes us freshmen AND law-abiding paintball/airsoft players look bad.
Daniel Imas • Jan 5, 2011 at 11:08 am
Whats up with freshmen and bringing weapons to school? I honestly think whitman will install metal detectors in the near future.
Lawd • Jan 5, 2011 at 8:43 am
I bet this guy is the one who did the windows, what are the chances he must think security is a joke , eh?
anon. • Jan 4, 2011 at 5:34 pm
agree with Peter. freshmnn again?! whoa…
Peter Jorgensen • Jan 4, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Wow quick reporting but jeez freshman, get it together.