Dr. Brian W. Scriven, superintendent of the Cheltenham School Direct, issued a notice today regarding an unspent shell casing found on the floor of a classroom at Myers Elementary School (7609 Montgomery Avenue in Elkins Park).

According to the notice, a teacher reported to Principal Jason Lytle at approximately 3:59pm on Friday that two fifth-grade students had discovered the casing. The students had approached the teacher in the schoolyard shortly after dismissal and turned over the item.

“Principal Lytle and the teacher immediately met with the students to ensure they did not have any additional items of concern,” the notice said. “Principal Lytle promptly contacted the students’ parents, district administration, and the Cheltenham Township Police Department.”

Cheltenham police arrived on site at 4:18pm, took possession of the shell casing, and spoke with one of the students and his parent regarding the seriousness of the matter, Dr. Scriven said.

“The Cheltenham School District is actively investigating how the shell casing came to be in the classroom and how the students came into contact with it,” Dr. Scriven wrote. “We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

The incident follows recent security breaches in the school district: A 19-year-old graduate of Cheltenham High School entered the school on Wednesday, October 8 without permission and in possession of an airsoft Mac-10 machine gun, and a homeless man stayed overnight in a closet at the Cheltenham School District Administration Building on September 25.

Earlier today, Dr. Scriven announced that Friday’s football game between Cheltenham and Truman high schools has been postponed due to alleged hazing within the program. The football team’s season has been temporarily suspended, he said.

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