Weapons and Dangerous Implements on School Grounds

WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS IMPLEMENTS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Weapons are not permitted on Hopkinton School District property or in school vehicles during school-sponsored activities. This policy applies to students, staff and members of the public alike. Student violations of this policy will result in both school disciplinary action and notification of local law enforcement authorities. Members of the public who violate this policy will be reported to local law enforcement authorities.

The term “weapons” includes, but is not limited to, firearms (rifles, pistols, revolvers, pellet guns, BB guns, or look-alikes, etc.) knives (excluding work knives utilized by employees or students supervised by employees), slingshots, metallic knuckles, firecrackers, billy- clubs, stilettos, switchblade knives, swords, sword canes, pistol canes, black jacks, daggers, dirk knives, explosives, incendiaries, martial arts weapons or self-defense weapons (as defined by RSA 159:24 and RSA 159:20 respectively), or any other object or substance which, in the manner it is used or threatened to be used, is known to be capable of producing death or bodily injury.

In addition, any student who brings a firearm (as defined by 18 U.S.C. §921) to school will be expelled for not less than one year (365 days). This expulsion may be modified by the Superintendent upon review of the specific case in accordance with other applicable law.

Pursuant to the provisions of 20 U.S.C. § 7151, Gun-Free Schools Act, the Board requires the Superintendent to contact local law enforcement authorities and/or the Division of Children and Youth Services and notify them of any student who brings a firearm or weapon on school property.

The Superintendent or other building administrator may exercise his/her best judgment in determining the scope of this policy as it relates to inadvertent or unintentional violations of this policy by adults/students/employees, provided such inadvertent or unintentional violation of this policy does not affect the safety of students, school staff. or the public.

Weapons under control of law enforcement personnel are permitted.

All students will receive written notice of this policy at least once each year.

Legal References:

18 U.S.C. § 921 Et seq., Firearms

20 U.S.C. § 7151, Gun-Free Schools Act RSA 193-D, Safe School Zones

RSA 193:13, Suspension and Expulsion of Students

NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 317, Standards and Procedures for Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils Including Procedures Assuring Due Process

First Reading: December 12

Second Reading: December 19

Third Reading: January 2, 2020

Date Adopted: January 2, 2020

Revision Dates:

Last Review Date:

Possession of small pocketknives (blade length of 2 inches or less) will result in confiscation and discipline at the discretion of the school principal.