Student caught with gun at Conroe ISD's McCullough Junior High

For the second time in less than a month, Conroe ISD officials caught a student carrying a gun on campus.

The incident, which occurred on Veterans Day Friday, Nov. 11, at McCullough Junior High in The Woodlands prompted Principal Chris McCord to send a letter home to parents. The student did not make any threats against others and there was no indication of any intent to use the handgun, according to the information from Conroe ISD.

McCord's letter is similar to Conroe High School Principal Mark Weatherly's message to parents after two high school students were caught with a gun Oct. 29. CHS students tipped off administrators in that incident.

Both letters state "the Student Code of Conduct is being addressed accordingly and "safety is always our (the district's) top priority."

McCord expressed appreciation for the coordination of students, administration and campus police officers in the reporting of and assistance with the issue and shared that he outlined safety expectations with campus students during the first week of school.

"If your child ever has a concern in the community or at school, he/she is encouraged to speak to any of our adults directly at any time which is what happened this morning when students reported that a fellow classmate was showing off a weapon," McCord said.

McCord encouraged parents to talk to their children about the importance of telling a trusted adult about any item seen or action witnessed that threatens campus security.

Response to comment/opinion and my question to the Board on whether or not there would be a discussion or changes to policies or procedures to prevent it from happening again:

"The campuses do a great job keeping our students safe," Conroe ISD board Secretary Melanie Bush said. "The administration continually reviews policies and procedures in all areas to ensure best practices are always in place.

"The students and Mr. McCord and staff did a great job."

Students with safety concerns should contact campus administration or Conroe ISD Police dispatch at 936-709-8911; or anonymously report information to CISD's KidChat hotline at 1-888-KidChat (543-2428). No more information was provided about the students or disciplinary action.