In my four years attending Westborough High School, I do not think I have ever fully read through the student handbook. Although reading the handbook has been suggested, students skip over reading, majorly forgetting its contents. When asked, students like me all say that they have not read the student handbook or have not read it in many years. Unfortunately, I think this could contribute to more events like the one on October 23rd, 2024.
During period three, a WHS student brought an airsoft gun to school to use in a class performance activity. Although the original student claimed they were not planning on removing it from their backpack, another student took the gun out, exposing it to the classroom.
Page 59 of the WHS student handbook reiterates the seriousness of not bringing any form of weapons to school. The handbook states “Students found in possession of a weapon on school grounds or at school-sponsored events are subject to expulsion.” The weapons can fall under the category of any pistol, revolver, rifle, or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet, or pellet can be discharged by whatever means.
Westborough Police and WHS have worked closely over the years, but mostly on the effects of drug and alcohol use, and what to do if you are being harassed and/or stalked. Not much information has been shared on the importance of not bringing weapons to school, and I think it should be more of a priority- especially with the world we live in today. Violence in schools is extremely common nowadays, and reminding students of this could help draw clearer lines of what is acceptable, and what is not.
I believe incoming freshmen or new students should read through the student handbook before attending school. This helps maintain a safer environment for everyone and reminds students of WHS’s rules and expectations.
I am glad that this incident did not harm any students, but instead taught many valuable lessons. WHS is continuing to crack down on maintaining a safe, and educational environment. Be sure to check out the student handbook if you have not already done so!
2024-2025 WHS Student Handbook
