A "look alike firearm".
Apparently, the principle had sent out many letters over a three week period to parents warning them of the problem and the State's zero tolerance policies. So if parents can't be bothered then they shouldn't be surprised when their kid is suspended.
"...Price "has been warning the students for some weeks," said Warner. "We've had a problem at this school. The boys have gone around fake shooting and making paper guns at class. It's inappropriate. She has sent notes to parents for the past three weeks alerting them of the problem."
Entingh said he never received a notice, but was aware of school authorities telling students, including Nathan, that any gun-related behavior would have serious consequences.....<snip>...
"Ohio Department of Education statistics show Nathan isn't alone.
According to state disciplinary figures for the 2012-2013 school year, a total of 419 statewide students, from various grade levels, were suspended because of an incident in the category of "firearm look-a-likes," and an additional 38 students were expelled.
In the Columbus City Schools district, where Nathan goes to school, 12 students were expelled because of incidents in the "firearm look-a-likes" category, while 69 students were suspended. ....read.."
10-year-old suspended over finger gun | News - KXLY.com