Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The tragic teacher shooting in Newport News should be a wakeup call to all parents and citizens to stop and look at what is happening in our public schools.

First, I want to send my prayers to Abby Zwerner for her healing. Next, my sincere apologies to the teacher and her family, because the public school system has failed to protect her.

This child didn’t load and learn about a gun on his own. There is a bigger picture here beyond gun control. Do I think a 6-year-old should be carrying and using a gun unsupervised? I do not. But what was this child’s home life like? Where are the parental responsibilities? Why are we not talking about the rising violence in schools?

Why is this happening?

I believe that several factors are happening in the schools that are allowing a rise in violence. My family has worked in the public schools for years. I have had a bird’s eye view of the happenings and I honestly have been scared for my family member. The vio...