Jenkins High School Enforces Lockdown Over Safety Concerns

Students collaborate on safety protocols at Jenkins High School following recent lockdown events.

News Summary

Jenkins High School implemented a lockdown due to concerns regarding splatter guns on campus. This precaution followed the discovery of a student with a SplatRBall water bead blaster. The administration aimed to ensure student safety amidst rising concerns about these devices. This isn’t the first lockdown related to splatter guns, highlighting ongoing safety challenges. The school district reinforces its Student Code of Conduct, reminding families of the prohibition of such items on school property, and emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety regulations.

Jenkins, Georgia – Jenkins High School is currently on lockdown for the remainder of the day due to concerns regarding the presence of splatter guns, specifically SplatRBall water bead blasters, on school grounds. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of students and staff following a series of incidents involving students bringing these devices to school.

The lockdown has been confirmed by Stacy Jennings, the executive director of communications for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. The immediate cause for the lockdown was the discovery of a student in possession of a splatter gun during the morning arrival period. The decision to enforce a lockdown was made “out of an abundance of caution,” a response to escalating concerns surrounding the safety implications of the splatter guns.

This is not the first instance of concern related to these devices at Jenkins High School. A temporary lockdown was previously enacted on May 8 after similar incidents involving the same type of toy. Jennings indicated that the school’s administration had proactively taken measures to prevent any potential safety threats.

SplatRBall products are marketed as non-toxic and non-staining fun for outdoor use, appealing to children and families. However, the product’s own website explicitly warns against bringing SplatRBall blasters onto school and federal properties. Despite this warning, the toys have made their way into the school environment, raising serious safety concerns.

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System reminds all students of the Student Code of Conduct, particularly Rule 11, which outlines regulations pertaining to weapons. Any items deemed as weapons, including splatter guns, are strictly prohibited on school grounds. Violation of these rules may result in disciplinary action as well as legal consequences under Georgia state law.

Although the lockdown has since been lifted, ensuring safety remains the top priority for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. The recent incidents highlight the need for diligent adherence to school policies and regulations concerning safety. The district plans to continue educating students on the potential dangers of bringing such items to school and the importance of following the code of conduct.

As the school community processes these events, Jenkins High School’s administration is committed to maintaining a secure environment for all students and staff. Stakeholders including parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to participate in conversations regarding school safety and compliance with district regulations to prevent future incidents.

Physically, the school has implemented additional monitoring and engagement strategies to ensure that all students remain aware of the serious nature of bringing any imitation weapons or dangerous substances onto school property. Moving forward, community collaboration will be essential in addressing these types of issues and promoting a safe learning atmosphere for everyone involved.

Jenkins High School expresses gratitude for the swift action by law enforcement and school staff in managing the situation. The continuation of safety protocols and the enforcement of school conduct rules will persist as proactive measures to safeguard all students and staff within the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.