Hugans

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Prior to a Harper Elementary School student taking a pistol to school last week, Thomasville Police Department officers conducted weapons-safety sessions with students, highlighting the danger of unsecured weapons in households.

The 8-year-old student who took the 9mm weapon to school in his bookbag fired the gun while walking home with other pupils after school. No one was injured.

The boy found the firearm — legally owned by a relative — at his home.

Harper Principal Melvin Hugans said the school counselor also has discussed with students steps that should be taken when exposed to unsecured weapons.

Hugans said school officials’ first responsibility was making Harper parents aware of the incident.

“We believe strongly that Harper parents are a part of supporting the safety initiatives and enforcing the importance of weapons safety,” Hugans said. “Having conversations about weapons and school safety does not fall on Harper alone. We believe parents play a big part of making sure discussions about weapons safety are held at home.”

Police will reinforce the topic with the school’s 350 students during Career Day on Friday, May 11.

Said Hugans, “The world we live in today requires schools to be more proactive in ensuring students understand the danger of weapons. We will continue to provide support for Harper students and parents in the future.”

The Thomasville City school district has three school resource officers, who, along with Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officers, are available to Harper pupils.

“Our students are familiar and feel comfortable discussing any threats or concerns regarding weapons with them,” Hugans said.

Considering school shootings elsewhere, Hugans said school officials make sure students are well aware of expectations if an incident were to occur.

“We recognize that we can always continue to do more to make sure students are aware of the expectations regarding a safe and orderly school environment,” the principal said. “The district is also working with local emergency management and Homeland Security to revise district and school safety plans.”

When asked if city schools have metal detectors, Hugans said it is important, in light of the climate in schools today regarding weapons safety, to keep perspective.

“Schools are institutions of education and social awareness; they are not institutions of incarceration,” Hugans said, adding that he is not aware of a school in the community with metal detectors.

Metal detectors, he said, give the perception that schools are not safe environments for teachers, parents or students.

“Our job is to ensure students understand the dangers of weapons and safety, not to create an environment or give the perception where students, parents and the community feel our schools are not safe places,” Hugans said.