Student Brings Handgun to Marietta Sixth Grade Academy

Yesterday afternoon, parents of Marietta Sixth Grade Academy students were notified that a student brought a handgun to campus via their school bus. Marietta Center for Advanced Academics parents were not notified despite the two schools sharing a bussing system, so we feel compelled to share with the community. See the e-mail notification to MSGA parents below:

Dear MSGA Families,

The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority, and so too, is transparent communication. This email is intended to share with you details of an incident at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA).

Yesterday afternoon, following school dismissal, a parent reported their child observed another student in possession of a handgun at MSGA.

An investigation was immediately initiated in partnership with the Marietta Police Department (MPD), which included a home visit last night and student interviews today.

At this point, based on the evidence collected thus far, a student was in possession of a handgun in a bathroom before school near the 6-5/6-6 hallway; this same student also showed the handgun to another student on the school bus that same morning. Student interviews and video surveillance indicate the handgun remained in the student’s locker throughout the day and was not present in any class. We believe the student showed the handgun in the bathroom and on the bus to “show off” and was not the result of any threat; the loaded handgun has since been confiscated by MPD.

 As for school consequences, the student will be held to the highest disciplinary consequence set forth by the Marietta City Schools Student Code of Conduct. MPD will also be prosecuting the juvenile with the appropriate charges. It is also worth noting the student in question was not at MSGA today, per the directive of MPD and me. 

I remain grateful for our partnership with MPD, who initiated the investigation immediately and worked throughout the night and today to conduct multiple home visits, student interviews, and parent interviews. MSGA is fortunate to have the support of MPD School Resource Officer Paul Hill and, as needed, the six additional officers assigned to MCS.

I can appreciate that this situation raises questions about additional security measures at MSGA and throughout our school district. I, along with other MCS principals, have been in ongoing discussions with Superintendent Rivera about potential recommendations by the Marietta Police Department for enhanced security measures.  

 As occurred in this situation, I encourage each of you to remind your child of the same advice we are given as adults: “If you see something, say something.” At the same time, I ask for your discernment and judgment in what is shared with children regarding this adult email. Our children need to know that our entire community works together to keep our schools safe and that classrooms and hallways are filled with caring adults.

Thank you once again for your partnership in this most important work. If you have needs or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me by email or phone (770-429-3115 ext. 5815).