Coleytown El Student Brings Deactivated Hand Grenade to School

On Monday, Jan. 3, 2011 a boy brought a deactivated grenade to Coleytown Elementary School (CES).

The student was talking to a peer about the grenade in the bus line when a teacher overheard.

Upon discovery, Principal Janna Bell instantly seized control of the situation. CES was evacuated by 3:45 pm.

Bell called the student into her office where he revealed the grenade. However, it was determined that there was no immediate threat; the grenade had been previously deactivated.

Though Bell declined an interview to protect the student’s privacy, she reviewed the school policy, “No weapons or facsimiles of any kind may be brought on to school property or school vehicles or to school- sponsored events. This prohibition includes knives of any kind as well as firearms, including BB guns and toy guns,” Bell said.

“This policy applies to students of all ages and at all grade levels. Violations may result in consequences up to and including expulsion. In addition Connecticut state law requires us to institute expulsion proceedings for all students charged with weapons offenses, whether on or off school grounds.”

After the incident, Bell sent an email to parents emphasizing that the Westport schools take their obligation to keep the children safe very seriously.