'Dangerous Behaviors' With Toy Guns At Jenkintown Schools: Officials

JENKINTOWN, PA —Multiple students "engaged in dangerous behaviors" involving Orbeez-style guns on the school campus after dismissal Friday, school officials said.

Jenkintown Schools Superintendent Jill Takacs sent a letter to parents and guardians about the incident.

"Given the increase in school shootings in our nation over the past decade, we take any and all threats associated with guns of any kind very seriously," Takacs said.

Orbeez-style guns —also known as water gel blasters —are toy guns that are legal but shooting them at people could result in criminal charges including simple assault or disorderly conduct, authorities said.

She said school officials informed the police and Police Chief Tom Scott sent out a correspondence on Friday night.

"Our district committed to working collaboratively with the police to hold any and all participants in these types of behaviors accountable for their actions," the superintendent said.

Takacs said that any student found to be in possession of any type of weapon on school grounds will be disciplined accordingly by the school and referred to local law enforcement officials.

She said the letter is to "remind and reinforce" to all families that guns of any type are not permitted on school property at any time.

The superintendent said the message will be reiterated to the student body. She also asked parents to have "these important discussions with your children."

"Your support in helping us maintain a safe school environment is very important," Takacs said.