Wichita school officials: Don’t forget zero-tolerance policy on weapons

Wichita school officials are reminding students and parents that students caught with weapons at school — even toy weapons — are subject to expulsion.

Officials at Robinson Middle School discovered a “realistic-looking toy” weapon at school on Tuesday after a student reported seeing another student with a weapon.

“No threats were made against any student or staff,” said principal Amy Champlin, in an e-mail and phone message sent to Robinson families. “Appropriate disciplinary action has been taken with the student.”

The Wichita district’s zero-tolerance policy on weapons, established in 1992, mandates expulsion for students caught with real or replica guns or other dangerous weapons. Students and parents are required to sign a document during enrollment to acknowledge that they understand the policy.

“Parents, please discuss with your child the serious consequences of bringing inappropriate things to school,” Champlin said. “We take these matters seriously and will not tolerate anything that could potentially harm students or put students in fear.”

This story was originally published February 1, 2012 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Wichita school officials: Don’t forget zero-tolerance policy on weapons."