A student was disciplined for bringing a the gun to Kelso High School.
The district sent home a letter after school staff caught a group of students smoking off campus Thursday. While searching the students for cigarettes, they found a gun inside one boy's backpack.
"When a gun or any other weapon is involved, we immediately involved the Kelso police department," Superintendent Glenys Hill said.
Police determined the gun had been ripped off from another student's home. The 17-year-old was charged with possession of a stolen firearm.
The school district said the student is cooperating. Officials noted he didn't have a plan and never threatened anyone. Officials think he was being bullied and was likely upset.
The district admits, in the past, there have been cases of students bringing weapons to school. But, it is rare.
The student will not be allowed back in school for one year.
