A recent announcement by Assistant Principal Mr. Tim Wormald reminding students of the school’s weapons policy prompted various reactions from Powell High School students.

While Mr. Wormald said in the announcement Feb. 5 that it’s a “myth” that pocket knives are permissible, some students argue that they are a useful tool, given Powell’s geographic location.

“Everyone carries one anyway, and it’s kinda dumb especially since they have never been an issue,” said senior Jacob Bridges. “No one has ever attempted to stab anyone or something of that sort, and truly anything can be a weapon if used as one.”

At PHS knives are used as tools by students and teachers alike due to the nature of some of the classes like woods and other hands-on classes.

“It hasn’t been a problem and most of us students have one for use as tools,” senior Kacey Creed said.

Sophomore Tate Barhaug said it seems there’s a sort of double standard with the knife policy.

“If students are allowed to use saws, Exact-o knives and even compasses, which are actually very sharp, then why can’t a student use a knife?” Barhaug said.

This seems to be a shared sentiment of many as it can be hard to draw the line between what can or cannot be considered a weapon.

Mr. Wormald makes the argument that students must abide by the policy for the overall safety of everyone.

“I made the announcement about pocket knives … because I have had multiple knives turned in to me over the course of the last few weeks,” said Mr. Wormald. “We need to abide by the policy in an effort to provide a safe environment for students and staff.”

The following is the Powell High School weapons policy, as stated in the Student Handbook:

Weapons are considered an extremely serious matter. Weapons are classified into three categories:

Type 1 – A deadly weapon which would include, but not be limited to, firearms, explosives or incendiary materials, and knives;

Type 2 – A weapon which would include, but not be limited to, chains, clubs, and stars;

Type 3 – An instrument typically present throughout the school day but, when intentionally misused, can inflict serious injury. This would include, but not be limited to, belts, combs,pencils, pocket knives, files, compasses, scissors, and mace.

Any student who possesses, uses, transfers, carries, or sells a deadly weapon (Type 1) while on the school campus or on any school bus or while in attendance at any school activity shall be suspended immediately from school and referred to the Superintendent. The student shall be expelled from school for not less than one (1) year except that, after reconsideration, the Board of Trustees may modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. A student in possession of a Type 2 or Type 3 weapon shall be subject to administrative disciplinary action which may include suspension or expulsion of up to one (1) year.