The principal of a Gwinnett County high school is praising students who came forward when one of their classmates brought a gun to school and showed it to them.

In a letter sent to parents Thursday, Parkview High School principal David Smith said administrators learned of the weapon through a tip Wednesday afternoon. The letter does not specify if the gun was loaded.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students who came forward to report this,” he said. “In this day and age, it is critical that we say something if we see something.”

Smith said the incident was handled “quickly and efficiently.” The student faces criminal charges and other disciplinary action for having a weapon on campus, according to the letter.

“We all have a role to play when it comes to ensuring our school remains a safe place and I encourage you to continue to come to us when you have information or concerns related to student safety,” Smith said.

In other news:

Some people in other areas of metro Atlanta are concerned after the decision to expand MARTA into Gwinnett County.