GALVESTON, Texas – An Oppe Elementary school student has been suspended for three days following the discovery of a non-functional, plastic BB gun in a backpack this morning. The student is to be sent to the District Alternative Education Program following the results of an investigation. The suspension follows district policy concerning the possession of real or fake weapons at GISD schools.

An Oppe student reported seeing the object in the backpack shortly after they arrived to the school at approximately 7:30 a.m. A check of the students’ backpack by school administration revealed the plastic gun. The student in possession of the plastic gun was then placed on immediate suspension following an investigation by the Galveston ISD Police Department.

Oppe administration sent home a letter explaining the incident to parents. Parents were reminded that Oppe Elementary and all other GISD properties practice a zero-tolerance policy in regards to possessing weapons or items that look like dangerous weapons. Administrators and teachers reminded students at the school about the zero-tolerance policy following the incident.

To insure the safety of students and staff, parents are asked to check backpacks of students before they leave in the morning. District officials encourage parents to place any weapons – real or fake – in a safe place, out of the reach of minors. Students face automatic suspension if caught with anything resembling a dangerous weapon, regardless of the intention of use.