If a student takes a toy gun to school, what happens to the student?

“Since safety of our students is a primary concern for the Calcasieu Parish School Board, any weapon-related allegation is immediately addressed. In each case the school administration thoroughly investigates the incident and communicates with law enforcement,” school system spokeswoman Holly Holland wrote in an email.

“After completion of the investigation and evaluation of all factors and circumstances, the school administration will contact the parent/guardian, conference with the student, and issue appropriate discipline in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.”

The school system’s student conduct policy, available on the district’s website, classifies “discipline incidents” like so:

Level 1 Infractions — “Discipline incidents that should be managed by the teacher and do not warrant a discipline referral or administrative assistance. Any behavior that is of low level intensity, passive in nature and/or of a non-threatening manner is a Level 1 behavior. Infractions in this category will be addressed with corrective strategies that will NOT include removal from instruction (In-school suspension/isolation or out-of-school suspension).”

Level 2 Infractions — “Discipline incidents that should be managed by the teacher with the possible assistance from an administrator. These infractions will be addressed with corrective strategies that will NOT include removal from school (out-of-school suspension).”

Level 3 A and B Infractions — “Discipline incidents that significantly interfere with others’ safety and learning, are of a threatening or harmful nature, and/or are legal violations and warrant administrative interventions. Committing a Level 3 A infraction does NOT result in an out of school removal on the first violation as school administrators shall attempt to utilize other corrective actions as deemed appropriate on a case by case basis, and committing a Level 3B infraction does NOT necessarily result in an out of school removal but could result in an OSS if administration deems appropriate.”

Level 4 Infractions — “Discipline incidents that require immediate response from administration, crisis team, its entire staff, and/or community support.”

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Online: www.cpsb.org.

DOTD to revamp I-10, US 171 interchange

For southbound traffic on U.S. 171, the interchange at I-10 makes it difficult to merge onto I-10 East.

The fast eastbound traffic on the interstate exiting at U.S. 171 and drivers on the interchange going eastbound on I-10 have to crisscross. I’ve never seen this in any other city.

Does the state have any plans to correct this dangerous situation?

Deidra Druilhet, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation and Development, said the crisscross interchange requires traffic exiting U.S. 171 South for I-10 East to yield to drivers leaving the interstate for U.S. 171 North.

To help alert drivers, Druilhet said, the DOTD will replace the existing 36-inch yield sign with an oversized one measuring 48 inches.

“Crews will also install a ‘YIELD AHEAD’ sign at the appropriate location in advance of the ‘YIELD’ location,” she wrote in an email. “Additionally, yield pavement markers will be placed at the appropriate location when scheduling permits.”

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Online: wwwsp.dotd.la.gov.

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The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.