Scary Moments in School

Yesterday I received an e-mail from our principal that an unloaded gun was discovered in an eighth-grader’s gym locker. At first, the news didn’t really register. I had taught this particular student, and all I could think was–He made a poor choice, probably trying to impress his friends.

Then later, I learned that he had also brought an ammunition clip. Funny how that small detail changes everything.

We live in a safe neighborhood, and our school is one of the safest in the community. We’ve never had an incident like this in the nine years I’ve taught there. What makes it worse is that I know the kid. I remember him struggling in school, but he always had a smile and was good-natured. He had a tough childhood, but he was living with his grandparents. More than anything, he seemed lost.

The same day he brought the gun, his grandfather passed away. Now his life is unraveling in front of him, and I worry about him. It’s funny how I wasn’t at all concerned about the gun and him harming anyone, but more–why did he bring it? Was he trying to get help in a strange way? And I have a feeling, he’s the sort of person who would be more likely to use the gun on himself than anyone else.

I know many parents were outraged, scared for their children. I don’t blame them a bit. But it makes me wonder how this event will change our school.

What about you? When you were growing up, did you ever have an incident like this in your school? Or do you see it now in your children’s schools?