WEST ALLIS, Wis. — A Nathan Hale High School student was arrested Wednesday after school staff detected an odor of marijuana coming from the student’s backpack and administrators found a weapon during a search, Principal Matt Lesar told families. The incident happened Sept. 23 as the student entered the school’s main entrance vestibule, according to Lesar’s letter. School administrators and the school resource officer began searching the backpack immediately and located a weapon. Officials did not disclose what type of weapon was found or where it was located. The West Allis Police Department took the student into custody, Lesar said. He emphasized that the incident did not involve a direct threat to students or staff. “We take incidents like this very seriously,” Lesar wrote, adding that weapons are prohibited on school property. He credited staff members’ attentiveness and quick response with identifying and addressing the situation. Lesar urged students and families to report safety concerns through the school’s tip process or anonymously through Crime Stoppers, both of which are available around the clock. He also encouraged families to discuss safety and responsible decision-making with students. No additional information about the student’s arrest, including potential charges, was available Wednesday night. The school principal said the incident did not reflect Nathan Hale’s broader school culture and noted that the academic year had begun with events including a successful Homecoming Week.