Student threatens to bring gun to WCHS
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School officials say there was a threat where a special education student made mention of a gun, but there was never a gun on school property.
“There was no gun at school and no gun anywhere on campus,” said high school principal James Bennett. “There was a student who said he might bring a gun and we have addressed that by talking to the student and talking to the parents.”
Bennett said it’s against school policy to tell what sort of disciplinary actions were taken against the student without written permission from the parents.
Gun violence at school has triggered nationwide concern because of the number of students who have brought guns to school and committed murder. In December, a 15-year-old student in Campbell County, Tenn., allegedly carried a gun to school and shot three school administrators, killing one.
“Outside of getting kids a good education, safety is our No. 1 concern,” said Bennett.
Bennett said all Warren County High School students are encouraged to be on the lookout for suspicious behavior. He says they can talk to guidance counselors or principals ? in complete confidence ? any time there is a concern.
“That’s especially the case if alcohol, drugs or a weapon is involved,” said Bennett. “They can come to us and talk and it’s all confidential.”
Bennett said if a problem appears to be founded, it’s common procedure to call a meeting that includes the student, school officials and parents.
“Kids are kids and they will say things they don’t mean,” said Bennett. “We’ve had kids threaten to bring a gun to school and there’s not even a gun in the house.”