Gun found at Bluebonnet Elementary

By LPR Staff

Editor/POST-REGISTER

Late in the school day on Tuesday, the Lockhart Independent School District announced they were investigating a gun-related incident on the Bluebonnet Elementary School Campus.

According to a letter from Principal Glenn Shanks, during the school day on Tuesday, a first grade student reported to a t

eacher that another student, whose age was unspecified, had brought a gun to school.

The teacher notified administration, who in turn notified the Lockhart Police Department. It was discovered that the student was, in fact, in possession of a BB gun; no ammunition was found in the student’s bag, nor on the student’s person.

“We do not believe there was ever a serious threat to the students at Bluebonnet Elementary,” Shanks wrote. “News like this can be scary [for parents]… safety is paramount for our entire Bluebonnet Elementary team.”

Oftentimes, in situations such as this, experts say young children bring weapons to school not because they mean harm, but rather to “show off” to their classmates. However, as one parent noted, neither campus leadership nor parents can be too careful.

“BB guns are just as dangerous as any other firearm and should be treated as such,” said Bluebonnet parent Cody Evans. “The fact that a first grader had access to this weapon is the problem.”

Evans, who noted he is both a parent and a gun owner, reminded parents that some studies reflect that four people are killed by BB guns every year. Other data from the CDC reflects that over 30,000 people are treated annually in American emergency rooms because of injuries inflicted by BB or pellet guns; some of those injuries are superficial. Others, such as the report of a 16-year-old who fired a BB gun into the roof of his mouth and sustained a serious mid-brain injury as a result, can be life-altering, or even life threatening.

“[BB guns] should be locked in a gun safe or gun cabinet,” Evans continued. “They should be treated as real guns because they are.”

In his letter, Shanks commended the student that came forward to make the report.

“That decision was the right thing to do,” he said. “[…it] allowed us to quickly ensure the safety of our students.”

Shanks also reminded parents that they can be instrumental in helping to ensure student safety on the front end. He stressed the importance of reminding children that they should feel comfortable reporting things that feel unsafe to teachers or administrators, and suggested periodically checking children’s backpacks to make sure they are not bringing anything they shouldn’t to school with them.

He also said his faculty and staff would remain “extra vigilant” in investigating such reports, and observing student behavior and interaction to ensure that students are safe on campus.

Studies reflect that, particularly after the holidays, some elementary schools see a rise in contraband on campus. Again, those studies reflect that contraband situations arise not because students mean one another harm, but rather because they hope to show off Christmas gifts, such as BB guns and pocket knives they may have received as gifts to their friends.

Parents are reminded that, under both Federal law and the LISD student code of conduct, children can face a suspension of up to one year, and in some cases criminal prosecution, if they are found to have knives or guns on a school campus.

Anyone with questions or concerns about this situation are welcome to call Shanks on campus at (512) 398-0900 during regular school hours. Districtwide inquiries about policies related to students in possession of weapons can be directed to LISD Central Office at (512) 398-0000.