FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO):  Officials within Southwest Allen County Schools are investigating after a student brought a knife to Summit Middle School on Wednesday.  A letter was sent to families within the district Wednesday where SACS leaders stated that they were alerted in the morning that a student may have a knife at school. A school resource officer searched the student and their belongings, finding a knife in their lunchbox. SACS officials say that the student was then removed from the building.

SACS administrators say weapons of any kind are prohibited at the school, and students who break this rule will “receive consequences in accordance with the SACS Board approved Student Handbook, as well as State and Federal law.” This instance marked the second time in three days that a student brought a weapon to the middle school.

HERE IS THE LETTER SENT TO PARENTS

SACS families and caregivers,

Earlier this morning, administrators at Summit Middle School were alerted that a student may be in possession of a knife at school. Immediate action was taken by school personnel and law enforcement and the student was removed from class. The student and belongings were searched by our SRO and a folding knife was found in a lunch box. The student was removed from the building.

We recognize that a weapon at school is considered a threat but, at no time did the student use the knife toward them self or others. Weapons of any kind are prohibited on school grounds. Students that bring dangerous items or weapons to school will receive consequences in accordance with the SACS Board approved Student Handbook, as well as State and Federal law.

As I said earlier this week, we all must play a role in maintaining a safe learning environment for our students. We commend those students who reported this to staff. We encourage everyone if they see or hear something to say something, but this is not enough. Parents, we need your help, support, and partnership.

There is nothing more important than the safety and of our students and staff. Our children deserve to feel and be safe in our schools. Asking for your help is not a deflection of responsibility, it is a necessary and vital component of safety.

Thank you,

SACS Superintendent Park Ginder