CUMBERLAND – Superintendent of Cumberland Schools Dr. Amy Griffin reported to The Herald that at 8:02 on Thursday morning, November 8, a high school student was found to be in possession of a BB gun. The gun was in the student's book bag. There was no ammunition. No students were ever in danger, according to Dr. Griffin.

Even though there was no ammunition, Griffin stated that the school takes their Weapons in School policy very seriously.

A SchoolMessenger announcement was sent out to the parents immediately, informing them of what happened and that no one was ever in danger. A letter will also be sent home with all students on Thursday afternoon.

Griffin stressed that she wanted parents to really follow up with their children, stressing “how serious and dangerous it is to bring a weapon or something like that to school. Not only dangerous, but there are serious consequences to it. We want parents to remind students to – like what happened today – communicate if you see something dangerous.”

Griffin said that the weapon today was quickly found because two students reported it immediately. She was thankful for this because then it could be addressed quickly.

According to Dr. Griffin, the student reported picking up the wrong book bag.

When a weapon is brought by a student to the school or to a school event, school policy dictates that the sheriff is contacted, charges are filed and the student is expelled for at least one year.

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Department was notified by the school and took the student into custody, according to Dr. Griffin.

Following school policy, the student will be suspended for ten days and referred to the Discipline Committee. The Discipline Committee will meet and make a recommendation that will first come to Dr. Griffin and then before the School Board.

Dr. Griffin stated that the most important thing is that “students are aware of what's in their book bags when they bring them to school and that no weapon or any type of look-alike weapon is allowed on school campus or to any school activity. And, on the other side of that, if students see something that looks suspicious or they are afraid is dangerous, to report it immediately, immediately like the students did today.”