Published October 13, 2009 08:02 pm - The fifth-grade Geneva Elementary School student who took a knife to school did not threaten other students, or herself, with the weapon, Geneva police reports show.
Superintendent: fifth-grader with pocketknife an ‘unusual situation’
By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer - mtrax@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
GENEVA — The fifth-grade Geneva Elementary School student who took a knife to school did not threaten other students, or herself, with the weapon, Geneva police reports show.
The 11-year-old girl was brought to school officials last week after she showed a pocketknife to other students, police reports show, but the girl would not tell Officer Joe Carroll why she chose to take the knife to school.
“She did not use the knife to threaten or use it in a threatening manner,” Carroll said.
No one was injured in the incident, police reports show. Carroll immediately took possession of the knife last Wednesday, and the child was picked up by her mother.
Student records, including any disciplinary action, are not public, Geneva Schools Superintendent Mary Zappitelli said.
“We do have a zero-tolerance policy,” Zappitelli said. “But in that, we have some leeway as to how we react to each individual situation. There are always many factors to consider.”
Zappitelli said incidents of weapons on elementary-school property are rare.
“This is absolutely an unusual situation,” she said.
While it is unclear whether the school will file charges against the girl, possession of deadly weapons on school grounds is a felony, police reports show.
Carroll said he read the girl her Miranda rights and asked her why she would take a knife to school.
“She had no answer,” he said.
The police report does not show the student was arrested.
BUYING JUNK VEHICLES WE PAY SCRAP OR BETTER Budget Auto Parts, 6015 Woodman Ave. 992-1111...>MORE
SEASONED FIREWOOD FOR SALE Mixed Hardwoods. Cut & split approx 16” $225.00 cord (+) or Slab wood, cut $150.00 cord(+). Delivered within 15 miles of...>MORE
Print this story
Post to del.icio.us
