As a community, we want our children to be safe while they attend class at the local public school. Rules are set by the district and New Hampshire has implemented the Safe Schools Act to insure that any threatening incident that occurs is reported to authorities and proper disciplinary action is taken.

We feel relatively safe, and we think our children are protected. But no matter what rules are put into place, the fact remains that there are no guarantees, and the rules, like speed limits on the highway, can be broken at any time.

Two weeks ago, when a 16-year-old student at Timberlane Regional High School brought a fully loaded semi-automatic pistol into school, officials followed protocol, took the student out of class, questioned him, retrieved the weapon and suspended the student without incident. We applaud their handling of a potentially dangerous situation.

School administrators also deserve praise for their ongoing effort to share information regarding the incident with parents and the community. All too often school officials try to keep incidents of violence or crime hidden, which leaves the public relying on rumors for information.

But, no matter how well the school handled the incident, it is clear that the student was able to bring the weapon into school without anyone knowing.

In reaction to the incident, parents have suggested adding metal detectors and extra security for the high school’s nine entrances. Superintendent Douglas McDonald says that with students constantly coming and going from the Performing Arts Center and physical education classes, and with numerous windows on the first floor, metal detectors are useless.

We agree.

There is no easy answer to the dilemma. If someone wants to break the rules they will. There are always loopholes in security that will be used if someone truly want to do harm. Turning our schools into a prison is not the answer.

We are not helpless. The schools, students and parents need to be extra vigilant. Guns should be locked up. Warnings signs of potential violence should be reported to authorities. We need to implement a "neighborhood watch" in our schools and community.

It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a community to help keep children safe.

It was a student who made school administrators aware of the gun in Timberlane High School on Dec. 17.

We say thank you.

- The Rockingham News