Here on the Columbus Africentric Early College campus and across all Columbus City Schools, we are safer together when we all work together to prioritize safety and act together to protect one another. I am sending you this letter to ask for your help in reinforcing this message and to alert you to a safety concern that arose this morning.



As students were arriving for school this morning, an alert parent made our staff aware of a potential weapon being carried into our building. The weapon was safely and quickly secured, and Columbus Police and our Safety & Security team immediately addressed the situation to ensure that all students were safe. Please know that the student who brought the weapon will face appropriate discipline.



Columbus City Schools has a Zero Tolerance policy on possession of any kind of weapon, real or fake. Students will face disciplinary actions, including the potential of suspension or expulsion, if found to be in possession of any item deemed potentially dangerous to themselves or others in a school environment.



The consequences of having a weapon outside of school can be even more extreme. Whether in the neighborhood or at home, young people at every age need to understand the dangers of having a gun, taser, or other type of weapon - even fake ones that look real. We need families to have thoughtful age-appropriate conversations about the types of items that are never appropriate to bring to school.



If you have any questions or need advice on how to have those serious conversations with your child, please call our Main Office.



Thank you for your continued support because we truly are safer together.



Sincerely,

Tyree Pollard

Principal