Series 5000: Students

5131.7 Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

The Board of Education determines that possession, concealment, and/or use of a weapon by a  student is detrimental to the welfare and safety of the students and school personnel within the  district. Possession and/or use of any dangerous or deadly weapon, firearm, or destructive device in any school building on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored  activity is prohibited. 

Such weapons include but are not limited to any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, air gun or spring  gun; slingshot; bludgeon; brass knuckles or artificial knuckles of any kind; knives having a blade  of greater than two inches, any knife the blades of which can be opened by a flick of a button or  pressure on the handle, or any pocketknife where the blade is carried in a partially opened  position; martial arts weapon; destructive device. 

A “dangerous weapon” is any weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, which under  the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used is readily  capable of causing death or serious injury. A “deadly weapon” is any instrument, article or  substance specifically designed for and presently capable of causing death or serious injury. 

Pursuant to federal law, the term firearm includes, but is not limited to, any weapon designed to  or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or  receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, or destructive device. A  student who violates this policy will be reported to law enforcement authorities. 

A “destructive device” is considered any device with an explosive, incendiary or poison gas  component or any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any  device into any destructive device or from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.  A destructive device does not include any device which is designed primarily for use as a  signaling, pyrotechnic, line-throwing, safety or similar device. 

The possession or use of any such weapon or devices will require that the proceedings for the suspension and/or expulsion of the student involved will be initiated immediately by the  principal. If the student is found to have possessed a firearm or other dangerous weapon as  defined in Connecticut General Statutes 53a-3 in violation of 29-35 or 53-206, in or on the real  property of a school or at any school activity as defined in Connecticut General Statutes 10-233a,  he/she must be expelled for one calendar year. The Board of Education or hearing board may  modify the period of expulsion on a case by case basis. To comply with federal law, any finding  of an exception shall be reduced to writing. All legal restrictions and requirements will be  adhered to pertaining to special education students. 

The Board shall consider a student’s conduct off school grounds that is seriously disruptive of  the educational process or is violative of publicized policies of the Board as grounds for expulsion.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel are permitted. The Superintendent may  authorize other persons to possess weapons for courses, programs and activities approved by the  District and conducted on District property. 

In accordance with the federal Gun-Free School Zone Act, possession or discharge of a firearm  in a school zone is prohibited. A “school zone” is defined by federal law, means in/on school  grounds or within 1,000 feet of school grounds. 

“Gun-Free School Zone” signs will/may be posted in cooperation with city/town officials as  appropriate. Violations, unless otherwise excepted by law or this policy, shall be reported to the  appropriate law enforcement agency. 

(cf. 5114 - Suspension/Expulsion) 

(cf. 5145.12 - Search and Seizure) 

Legal Reference:

Connecticut General Statutes 

10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules. 

10-233a through 10-233f - Expulsion as amended by PA 95-304 

53a-3 Definitions. 

53a-217b - Possession of firearms and deadly weapons on school grounds 53-206 Carrying and sale of dangerous weapons. 

PA 94-221 An Act Concerning School Discipline and Safety. 

Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, 18 U.S.C. §§ 921(a))25)-(26), 922(q)  (2006) 

GOALS 2000: Educate America Act 

18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions. 

USCA 7151 – No Child Left Behind Act 

Youth Handgun Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(x), 924(a)(6) (2006) 

Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, 20 U.S.C. §§ 7101- 7117 

Policy adopted: February 12, 2018 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston,