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    Before Teacher Was Shot, Assistant Principal Was Warned First Grader Had a Gun

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    A Virginia grand jury found that the administrator had not acted on reports from staff members that the 6-year-old had brought a firearm to Richneck Elementary.The shooting of an elementary teacher by a 6-year-old student in Newport News, Va., last year was preceded by a “shocking” series of lapses by the school’s assistant principal at the time, according to a report by a special grand jury that was released on Wednesday.Despite having been told that same day that the student was “in a violent mood,” and having received several reports that he was carrying a firearm, the assistant principal turned down a school counselor’s request for permission to search the student, the grand jury said in its report.Less than a half-hour later, the student’s teacher, Abigail Zwerner,, was in the classroom with him and 15 other first graders when he pulled out 9-millimeter Taurus handgun and shot her from less than six feet away just before 2 p.m.The bullet passed through her hand and struck her chest. The gun, which was loaded with seven more rounds, jammed after the first shot. The boy later said that he had found it at home, in his mother’s purse.While her students sheltered in a neighboring classroom, Ms. Zwerner stumbled down the hallway and passed out in front of the door to the principal’s office. She survived.“I told you — I tried to keep you safe,” said one of the shooter’s friends, who had told one of Ms. Zwerner’s colleagues at Richneck Elementary School about the gun, according to the report.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      Read the Special Grand Jury Report

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      Rules & Sanctions
      Newport News Public Schools Code of Conduct fosters the school division’s mission to ensure all students graduate “citizen-
      ready.” It provides guidance for students, families, and staff, and details the many options available to NNPS staff to
      address student conduct.
      The rules of conduct for students in Newport News Public Schools are presented in this section of the Handbook. These
      rules and regulations have been adopted by the Newport News School Board and represent its official policy.
      Examples for most rules are provided. Each rule is accompanied by the consequences for breaking that rule.
      All rules and regulations will be enforced on all Newport News school grounds and premises, including Todd Stadium;
      before, during and after school hours, or at any other time when school buildings and/or grounds are being used by a
      school group; or off school grounds at any school activity, function, field trip or event; or when students are traveling to
      or from school. The rules contained in this Handbook also apply to bus behavior and behavior at the bus stop.
      School personnel will take disciplinary action against any student who violates one or more of these rules and regulations
      in accordance with the consequences stated. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, reprimand, after-
      school work, repayment for damages, clean-up, revocation of privileges associated with school activities (including
      participation in graduation exercises), suspension or expulsion.
      Principals and school security officers, under the direction of a school administrator, may search students and student
      property (including automobiles and other vehicles) when there is reasonable suspicion to do so. Students should understand
      that they have no expectation of privacy to their lockers, personal property, or vehicles allowed to park on school property.
      Consistent with applicable legal requirements, school division personnel may use search techniques such as metal detectors
      and use other lawful search techniques.
      Alternative schools/programs and magnet schools, such as Enterprise Academy and An Achievable Dream Academy,
      may require additional and/or more restrictive expectations of students consistent with the program design and mission.
      Such components may include, but are not limited to: attendance, participation, and dress code regulations.
      Statement of Non-Discrimination
      The Newport News School Division does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, marital
      status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, sexual identity, veteran status, or disability in its programs, activities, or
      employment practices as required by the Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA regulations.
      The Human Resources Supervisor, Newport News Public Schools, at 12507 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606,
      (757-881-5061), is responsible for coordinating the division’s efforts to meet its obligations under Section 504, Title IX, the
      ADA, and their implementing regulations.
      A cautionary note is offered to the Parent as this Handbook and its rules are reviewed.
      A set of rules does not replace the administrator’s judgment in the review of discipline incidents. In order for schools to
      be safe and orderly places of learning, rules must be obeyed. These rules are written to give direction. However, in daily
      activity, one basic rule is that good, sound judgment must be exercised in light of conditions of the moment.
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