News Summary
A handgun was found in a student’s backpack at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School, raising safety concerns among parents and faculty. School officials acted quickly after another student reported the firearm, ensuring no one was harmed. The Starkville Oktibbeha School District plans to enhance security measures, including student screenings, to prevent future incidents. The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the matter. The school community is urged to remain vigilant regarding student safety.
STARKVILLE, MS – Handgun Found in Student’s Backpack at Elementary School
A handgun was discovered in the backpack of a student at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School on Tuesday morning, May 6, 2024. The incident was reported when another student alerted school administrators about the presence of the firearm, prompting immediate action from school staff.
Upon being notified, school personnel conducted a thorough search and successfully located the handgun inside the backpack. Fortunately, the Starkville Oktibbeha School District confirmed that no students or staff were harmed during the incident, and there were no direct threats made to anyone on campus.
As a precautionary measure, the district decided to notify parents and students that an increased presence of law enforcement officers would be seen on campus in the days following this event. This is to ensure the safety and security of all individuals at the school.
School Details and Recent Incidents
Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School serves students in the second, third, and fourth grades. It is committed to providing a safe learning environment for its young learners. Following this alarming discovery, the school district faces challenges in maintaining that safety.
On the same day as the handgun discovery, another unrelated incident occurred where a student from the Partnership School was found with a magazine clip. This raises concerns about the general safety of students and the need for robust preventative measures in local schools.
District Response and New Safety Measures
In light of these incidents, Dr. Tony McGee, the superintendent of the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District, released a statement addressing the community. He emphasized the importance of vigilance among parents and urged them to thoroughly check their children’s backpacks before they leave for school.
Starting Thursday, the district plans to implement new safety measures including screening students at the entrance of the school. These screenings are intended to prevent any further incidents involving dangerous items. The district has made it clear that students found with incorrect or dangerous items will face disciplinary actions in accordance with established district policies and procedures.
Investigation by Sheriff’s Office
The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into the incident involving the handgun found at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary. As of now, no arrests have been made, and law enforcement is working to gather more information regarding the situation.
Community leaders and parents are urged to remain alert and engaged in discussions about school safety to help prevent any future occurrences. The district is taking these steps seriously and ensuring that safety remains a top priority within its schools.
As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided, keeping the community informed about the ongoing efforts to enhance safety within local educational environments.
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Additional Resources
- WTVA: Gun Found in Elementary Student’s Bag in Starkville
- WLBT: Gun Found in Student’s Backpack at Elementary School in Mississippi
- WCBI: Gun Found in Student’s Backpack at Elementary School in Starkville
- Wikipedia: School safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School safety
