Actually, air guns have been considered firearms in some states, including Massachusetts. That is why I ended up getting my first FID back in 1979. At the time, an air rifle was considered to be in the same class as a .30/06 and an air pistol was considered to be in the same class as a .44 magnum. It was that lezzbo, Cheryl Jacques, and her 1998 gun law that screwed us royally in every other aspect, but by some quirk, ended up taking airguns out of "firearm" status. You only have to be 18 years of age to own an airgun, thanks to her law. No FID or LTC required. NJ still requires an FID for air gun ownership. I believe NYC requires a permit as well. As for the school regulations, they are supposed to be enforced only on school property, at school-sponsored events (regardless of location) and on the bus to and from school. If the kids were on their parents' property and had not yet boarded the bus, they were not in violation of any school policies. Should make an interesting court case. Hope the parents sue to the fullest extent of the law.