WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP — An unloaded gun was found inside a student's locker at Westlane Middle School on Tuesday.
A letter sent to parents said a teacher overheard a conversation that "warranted an alert to the administration," which prompted school officials to question a student. That student then admitted to having a handgun inside their locker and it was handed over to school leaders without incident.
"Weapons are not allowed in our schools and possession of a handgun requires a mandatory suspension from school and a 365-day recommendation of expulsion per Indiana statute," the letter to parents states.
"We remind parents to take this opportunity to speak to your child about the importance of school safety. While peer pressure is great at this age, we want to encourage students to feel comfortable reporting any information they may have that compromises their safety or the safety and well-being of others."
Read the full letter the school system sent to parents Tuesday afternoon below:
"During the school day today at Westlane Middle School an unloaded handgun was found inside of a student’s locker. A teacher observed a conversation that warranted an alert to administration who immediately investigated the situation. When questioned, the student admitted to having a handgun in their locker. At that time, the administration secured the handgun without incident and contacted law enforcement. Weapons are not allowed in our schools and possession of a handgun requires a mandatory suspension from school and a 365-day recommendation of expulsion per Indiana statute.
We remind parents to take this opportunity to speak to your child about the importance of school safety. While peer pressure is great at this age, we want to encourage students to feel comfortable reporting any information they may have that compromises their safety or the safety and well-being of others. Working together, we can maintain an environment where students are free to focus on learning.
Washington Township is working in full cooperation with IMPD and the Washington Township Schools Police Department."
