DeKalb principal to parents: Gun went off on school grounds Tuesday

Officials initially believed a firecracker went off, due to the noise and odor of gunpowder, Hudson said.

The school was locked down until about 4:30 p.m., when students were sent home, Hudson said.

Below is the full text of a note Principal Donald Mason is sending to parents Wednesday:

February 3, 2016

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We consider all matters of safety to be extremely important in our school and district. Redan Middle School works diligently to ensure that our campus is safe, orderly, and conducive to learning. In an effort to keep parents informed, this letter is notification of a weapon (gun) being discharged on school grounds. No student or staff member was injured, and in response to the incident, the school was placed on an immediate lockdown until the safety of all students was assured. Those students involved in this matter have been identified and will be addressed through both the School Resource Officer and the District’s Code of Student Conduct. Out of an abundance of caution, extra security was assigned to the school.

The safety of our students is paramount, and the District is taking the steps to examine what additional measures may be necessary to do all that we can to increase overall student safety. The purpose of this communication is to inform you of this incident so that we can work together to make sure that all of our children are kept safe while they are in school, while they are traveling to and from school, and while they are home. Please consider the importance of speaking to your children to encourage them to report any suspicious activity or items to you and the school, and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Donald Mason

Principal

Redan Middle School