August 27, 2004

To: Students, Parents, and Staff

From: Superintendent

Re: Weapons In Schools, Annual Notice

Washington State law and federal law have both addressed eliminating weapons from school grounds. Under RCW 9.41.280, it is a gross misdemeanor for any person to carry or possess a dangerous weapon or firearm on public school premises. This includes school buses and non-school facilities that are being used for school activities. The law requires that all school facilities must be posted with signs stating "Gun Free Zone."

If you have dangerous weapons in your home, especially firearms, please take special precautions to ensure that your children and/or their friends could never have access to these weapons. This is one way that parents can help to keep Renton schools safe.

Students who violate the statute are, following regular due process, to be expelled from the district in which they committed the violation and are considered expelled from all public schools in the state School administrators are to notify law enforcement promptly of any violations of the law. The confidential Renton School District weapons hotline number is (425)204-2468.

Renton School District policy also prohibits laser pens and objects that look like weapons, such as toy guns and toy knives. That means that a student who brings such an object to school, on a school bus, or to a school activity can expect serious consequences, up to and including expulsion. In addition to District policy regarding discharge of laser devices, the state legislature passed SHB 2086 in 1999. This bill criminalizes the discharge of a laser at a bus driver.

Students or others who are aware of weapons on campus and do not report the information to school authorities are subject to discipline.

The Renton School District is making a concerted effort to assure patrons that our schools provide a safe and civil environment for staff and students. Each of our schools has a Comprehensive Safe School Plan that indicates their preparation in the areas of Prevention, Intervention, Crisis Response and Recovery. These "safety " plans are available for review by contacting the building principal.