GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. – A first-grader brought a gun to Golden Isles Elementary School on Thursday, district officials said.
The 6-year-old student showed the weapon, which was not loaded or working, to a couple of other students, and those students told a school employee, officials said.
Officials are investigating how the student got the gun, and parents are being notified of the incident by voice call and letters being sent home.
Officials said they're glad the students did the right thing by telling the adult about the gun.
Audrey Ramirez said she's worried after her first-grade daughter, who attends Golden Isles Elementary, was sent home Thursday afternoon with the letter notifying of the weapon.
"It makes me uncomfortable knowing that it's easy for a first-grader to bring a gun to school," Ramirez said. "If kids are going to be in their care all day from 8 o'clock in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, then I should be able to relax and know that my kids' teachers are not going to let a student bring a gun into a classroom."
The mother said she now believes the school needs to increase safety measures.
"If they're going to be going to school with kids, if their parents can't check their book bags like they're supposed to, I think maybe the teacher should," she said.
Ramirez said at least the incident will serve as a reminder to her children about what they should do if they see a weapon at school.
"I told them the same thing I always tell them, 'If something happens, if you see something and the teacher doesn't know, you go tell the teacher,'" she said.
The school was never placed on lockdown, and the student will not be facing charges, officials said.