HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — School officials are trying to reassure parents after two weapons were found on two separate Henry County school campuses on the same day.
Both incidents happened on Monday - one at Woodland High School, the other at Eagle's Landing Middle School.
According to a spokesperson for the district, a student was alleged to be in possession of a gun at Eagle's Landing Middle school. The spokesperson said school officials were alerted to it late Monday afternoon and "took immediate action, along with law enforcement to investigate."
That student, officials said, now faces disciplinary action for violating the code of conduct. No one was harmed or threatened in that instance.
In the other instance, a custodian at Woodland High School reportedly came across a weapon while they were cleaning before classes started. The school resource officer and school staff alerted authorities, who came to investigate. But, the spokesperson said "it is not known as to how the weapon came to be at the school or to whom it belongs."
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A parent reached out to 11Alive regarding the weapon found at the middle school. Amy's daughter is a seventh grader at Eagle's Landing Middle School.
"The gun that was found was found with a child … with a child!" she told 11Alive's Elwyn Lopez.
Amy, who didn't want to show her face on camera, said she couldn't believe this is happening in metro Atlanta schools. And while she said the weapon that was found was a gun, school officials wouldn't confirm that with 11Alive.
Amy shared the letter sent home to parents, which read:
Parents and Guardians,
This message is to let you know that it was brought to our attention by one of our students this afternoon that another student could possibly be in possession of a weapon on campus. Our school resource officer and administrators immediately began an investigation and did find the information to be accurate. The student in violation of the code of conduct now faces disciplinary action.
Weapons of any kind are never permitted on campus or school property. We take these matters seriously in order to ensure the safest learning environment.
The important news is that no one was harmed or threatened during the day, and our students did a great job of reporting the matter to school officials in an expeditious manner. We are grateful for their quick notification. The school day proceeded as normal.
Again, parents, please continue to discuss with your child the importance of safety and following rules. Regardless of “joking around” and/or “trying to be cool,” we will treat every incident as a serious situation and consequences will be given accordingly.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff.
Dr. McCray
Amy said receiving an email like that from the school, letting her know a weapon was found in the middle school her daughter attends, was horrifying.
"Terrifying," she said. "I don’t think schools are perfect. I went to this school the year that they were opened. I went to the same school she’s in now. The year that they were first open, and we didn’t have this."
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Amy said she hopes that the school, moving forward, keeps the parents updated on all issues pertaining to their children.
In a statement, Henry County Schools reminded all school community members to "be vigilant to things they see that might jeopardize the safety and security of our campuses."
"Safety and security are our top concerns, and that is why we have a strict code of conduct regarding weapons on campuses," the statement concluded.
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