I am responding to the Jan. 6 article about a young man who took a gun to school, how it was a mistake and his parents feel he should be excused:

I have a child in the eighth grade at West Rowan Middle School. I chose West Middle after deciding to leave the private school system.

I know why I chose West — because they have the reputation of running their school, not the students. We all must follow rules in our lives.

I am sorry Austin Moore made this terrible mistake. But when I read the article, it reminded me of what a great decision I made. We all have to learn to follow the rules, and they are made for us all to abide by.

I am also grateful to the police officer (at the school) who noticed something was up.

I am very thankful for the staff and the officers that all play an important role in educating out children. Thanks for caring.

— Freda Snyder

Salisbury