HSHS student detained for bringing weapon to school

A male juvenile student at Hot Springs World Class High School was taken into custody by Hot Springs police Friday after he was allegedly found with a weapon on campus.

A statement from the Hot Springs School District said the student was immediately searched after it was reported he was in possession of a weapon. The weapon was confiscated by school officials and school resource officers, and the student was transported to the Hot Springs Police Department.

“Due to the juvenile status of the student involved, confidentiality prevents further information from being released concerning this incident,” the statement said. “As with all matters of safety, we have taken this issue very seriously and have acted accordingly, utilizing both school system disciplinary recourse and the juvenile justice system.

“While peer pressure is great at this age, students should feel comfortable notifying a teacher or administrator of any information if such a situation ever exists. We would like to thank the students who were courageous enough to notify a staff member pertaining to the issue.”

Students returned to campus for the 2017-18 school year on Monday. The statement said the district will implement a newly outlined procedure as part of an ongoing process of monitoring, reviewing and updating safety policies and procedures. The information will be sent home with all high school students for their families.

“The district feels that open communications with students, parents and staff on safety matters is important and wanted you to have accurate and timely information on this incident,” the statement said. “Only by working as a school community in partnership with parents can we create and maintain the level of safety and an environment where our children are free to focus on learning.”