MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — A student at Eagle View Middle School in the Cumberland Valley School District brought a gun to school on Tuesday, the school district's superintendent said in a letter to parents and guardians.
The weapon was never displayed, and no threats of harm were made, Dr. Mark A. Blanchard said. The loaded semi-automatic handgun was discovered in the 15-year-old's backpack during an unrelated disciplinary issue in the school's office, he added.
"While no threats were made or students harmed, this issue hits far too close to home and we are taking this extremely seriously," Blanchard said. "The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority."
The student will be punished by "the most aggressive action as allowable by School Code and law," according to Blanchard.
The student will not be allowed back in the building "in the foreseeable future" while the school district pursues disciplinary action, Blanchard said.
"This news is both concerning and disheartening," Blanchard said. "CV is a large district but our community feels like a family. This is not who we are and this type of behavior has no place in our schools. Our district protocols for emergency operations provided us an organized, coordinated, and common-sense approach to working through this emergency. I am grateful for the staff members today who followed those protocols to a tee and averted any larger situation.
"I also want to thank our law enforcement partners. They swiftly responded and worked with our staff to reach a quick and safe resolution."
