A Message from the Superintendent: Orbeez Water Pellet Guns and Look-Alike Toy Guns

October 2, 2024

Topic: Updates

Good afternoon,

As part of our continued effort to ensure the safety and well-being of all students in our district, we would like to address a growing concern: the use of Orbeez water pellet guns and other look-alike toy guns. While these toys may seem harmless, they pose several risks, not only to children’s safety but also in how they are perceived in the community, especially by law enforcement.

What are Orbeez Water Pellet Guns?
Orbeez guns, sometimes referred to as gel blasters or water pellet guns, are toys that shoot small water-absorbent beads, often referred to as “Orbeez.” These beads expand when soaked in water and can be loaded into toy guns that propel them at high speeds. Though these guns are marketed as toys, they can cause physical harm when misused. Other look-alike toy guns, including airsoft and BB guns, also resemble real firearms and may shoot plastic or metal pellets.

Potential for Injury
While Orbeez guns may be designed for fun and recreational use, they can cause injury. The water pellets are shot with enough force to cause bruising, eye injuries, and even cuts when aimed at sensitive areas. There have been several reports of children and teens being injured when these toys were used recklessly. If your child plays with these, it is important to supervise them and ensure they are using protective gear like goggles, especially in group settings where excitement may lead to unsafe behavior.

Toy Guns and Law Enforcement Concerns
Perhaps the most alarming issue with Orbeez guns and other look-alike toy guns is how realistic they often appear. Many of these toy guns are designed to look strikingly similar to real firearms. This resemblance poses a serious safety risk in public spaces or on school grounds. If a law enforcement officer sees a child or teen carrying one of these items, they may have to make split-second decisions based on the appearance of the object, not knowing whether it is a toy or a real weapon. This can lead to dangerous situations that could easily be avoided if such toys were left at home.

Bringing Toy Guns to School – Serious Consequences
It is important to stress that bringing an Orbeez gun, or any toy gun that resembles a real weapon, onto a school campus will result in serious disciplinary action. These items are not allowed at school, as they can cause fear and confusion among students and staff, disrupt the learning environment, and prompt unnecessary law enforcement responses.

Our district has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to items that could be perceived as dangerous, and toy guns fall into this category. Students found bringing or using these items at school could face suspension, expulsion, and referral to law enforcement. 

How You Can Help
We ask that you talk with your children about the serious nature of bringing toys that resemble weapons to school or using them irresponsibly in the neighborhood. Make sure they understand the potential for injury and the significant consequences that come with carrying or displaying these items, especially in public spaces.

  • Supervision: Monitor your children’s use of toys like Orbeez guns and ensure they are playing in safe, supervised areas.
  • Education: Discuss with your children how toy guns can easily be mistaken for real ones and why they should never bring them to school.
  • Safety: Encourage your children to play responsibly and to always use protective gear if they are playing with any projectile-based toys.

As a school community, our top priority is the safety of every student. We rely on your support to help us prevent potentially dangerous situations involving these look-alike toy guns. Together, we can ensure that all students are making smart, informed decisions both at school and in the community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Connolly
Superintendent