At the end the school day on Friday, Sept. 27, Mars Area School District was made aware that a student riding Elementary School Bus #25 was in possession of a box cutter.

Upon notification, a School Police Officer immediately boarded Bus #25 and removed the box cutter from the student. Bus #25 then continued on its route.

District officials are working closely with School Police to further investigate this matter. Please note that the District will not release any information regarding District personnel and/or the student involved in this incident.

The District would like to remind all parents/guardians that the possession of weapons in the school setting is a threat to the safety of students and staff and is prohibited by law. Any student found to be in possession of a weapon will face disciplinary action in accordance with District policy and will be referred to local law enforcement.

Mars Area School District strives to remain proactive in the protection of our students, faculty and staff members. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as the District works to resolve this matter.