I dont think it is fair to say that something small got blown up bigger - these are really tense times and regardless of how it turned out it is still scary and actually concerning that an elementart school student would bring a knife to school. What happens to this child now, do we just assume it was a prank and not a bigger issue?

Sorry, I forgot to mention the student now faces an expulsionary hearing. I have added it to the article.

I agree. After all that's just happened in CT, this is no "small" thing!

Maybe this kid is so freaked out by what happened in CT and all around they felt they needed protection? Or maybe they are just a kid being bullied? Or maybe they are a bully? The schools need to talk to the kids and make sure they feel safe or as safe as can be. It is a very scary time for our kids with all they hear about guns and robberies and the crime we are experiencing. Scary for adults as well.

I tnink the big deal may have been referring to posts from another source reporting false information. Which caused a lot of panic. I'm glad everyone is safe . This is a great lesson to teach our children.if you see something of danger you speak up . This child's parents should be very proud

The kids were preparing for play productions. My kids saw what happened and aren't sure why the kid involved is getting punished for bringing in what was supposed to be props. The kids parents should have known better.
I council my kids sternly about this exact issues often.
Put the fear of God in them about so much as pretending to use a gun with just their fingers, while in school. They don't think anything will happen to them. <sigh>

Time to look into metal detectors for ALL schools !

Before you go blaming parents, as a parent who constantly tells my kids not to do stupid things, sometimes they still do them. And before labeling someone as troubled, you should get to know them, especially a child. Did we not just see on Friday what can happen we we judge, but offer no help.

Guys, this kid is a minor. Let's refrain from posting personal things about them.

I would imagine for the same reason his name is not released, because he is a minor. It identifies him when you associate him with a previous offense. You may see your second mention of it removed too.

Yes, I should've been more clear. Please refrain from posting identifiable information about a minor suspect.

As a student in this school I feels safe and it is the best school in Malden for kids that need a good education!

i agree with jolly rancher. <3

If the school had a metal detector that knife would of never made it into the school ! My son is a second grade student at this school, I use to feel that this was a safe school, now not so much ! We need to focus on keeping our children safe in school, and the way to do this is to install metal detectors !!

It seems to me the school committee and superintendant and the mayor should have a meeting with the children and parents of the community. My daughter is in 4th grade and is now scared to death to go to school. They should feel safe at a place where they spend half their day. Instead of ignoring what happened in newtowne and letting rumors go all over the place about what happened at the linden they should have a discussion with the kids to make them feel safe. I for one would go to hear what the city is doing to make this city safer for everyone.

As much as I sympathize krissy o, it is a parents responsibility to make their children feel safe and to shield them from harmful information.