Jefferson Elementary School student accused of bringing gun to school, parents react

GOSHEN, Ind.-- A Jefferson Elementary school student is accused of bringing a gun to school and showing it to classmates.

Some parents say they should’ve been told sooner and are wondering why it took the district so long to answer. 

Others say they're happy with how the school handled the incident without inciting chaos. 

“This is a message from Mrs. Jane Allen, superintendent of Middlebury Community Schools," said Middlebury Community Schools superintendent, Jane Allen, in a voicemail left to parents.

It’s a message no parent wants to receive.

“On Tuesday, February 19, 2019, a student at Jefferson Elementary School displayed a fire arm to other students," the message continued. 

See something, say something. That’s the motto used at Jefferson Elementary School when authorities confirmed that a third grade student brought a gun to the school and a classmate who was shown the gun took action.

“I love that they do practice that at the school. Walking out I will tell my daughter everyday, if you see something, say something," said Jefferson Elementary parent, Brittany.

The district didn’t alert parents until around 7:20 p.m. Tuesday night.

“Gosh, I'm getting goosebumps. I personally understand that they didn’t want to freak everybody out. They did good, kids didn’t know about it which is good thing not to scare them," said Brittany.

For Brittany, however, that was a couple hours too late.

“I think that’s really selfish as well because those are our children because we deserve to know what’s going on while we leave them in their care," said Brittany.

Superintendent Jane Allen said in a statement students who bring guns onto school property must be expelled for one calendar year.

They could also go to jail for up to six years and face a $10,000 fine.

“I don’t know how a child that little gets to school with a gun. That just baffles me completely,” said Brittany.

ABC 57 reached out the superintendent to see if the gun was loaded, among other questions, but have not gotten a response. 

The district tells ABC 57 that Allen has been in meetings all day.