A report of a gun on the campus of Washington County’s consolidated school last week triggered a lockdown and search of the building by law enforcement personnel. No firearm was found.
WCS Superintendent David White reports the lockdown was implemented about 11:45 a.m., Monday, October 3, after a student reported that another student “might have a gun.” The report of a gun came following an altercation earlier that day in which a student was assaulted in connection with an attack connected with an incident “that occurred Friday night (October 31) off school grounds.”
In an email, White reports, “Following a thorough search, no weapon was found, and the student was cleared,” with the lockdown lifted about 1:50 p.m.
While White did not provide any specific background on the October 31 incident that may have precipitated the November 3 events, law enforcement did respond to a Water Street fight on Halloween night (October 31) involving a group of about a dozen teens during the Trick or Treat celebration downtown.
The recent events generated a letter from White to the community, declaring a serious stance against “fighting, aggressive behavior or gang activity” in the schools, warning potential offenders of suspensions, expulsions or criminal charges.
“We will not allow a small number of students to disrupt the education and safety of others,” the letter informs. “Every student deserves a school environment focused on growth, respect and success.”
The letter mirrors a similar cautionary communication issued by White in April that focused primarily consequences for gang affiliation or activity. That letter came about four weeks after a 12-year-old boy was punched by a 14-year-old student in the school cafeteria, inflicting an eye-socket injury.
Reportedly, the incident was not reported to the WCS SRO (school resource officer), but law enforcement learned of the assault from hospital officials in Greenville. The 14-yeasr-old reportedly was suspended for 10 days.
Last week’s letter reiterates the need for a partnership in handling behavior, citing crucial roles for schools, families and the community.
