The School District of Philadelphia is responding to claims by a South Philadelphia 5th grader and her mother that her elementary school went too far in reprimanding her for bringing a paper gun to school.
Fernando Gallard, a spokesman for the district, told FOX29 an internal investigation showed Melody Valentin of Newlin Fell Elementary School told classmates she had a handgun on her.
He said the school then acted swiftly and appropriately by questioning the girl and later searching her belongings as some classmates watched.
The school district's response comes several days after FOX29 broke the story which has since made national headlines.
Meanwhile Melody and her mother Dianna Kelly deny she ever used the word "handgun."
Kelly said her daughter realized she had the paper gun on her, put it on her desk and prepared to throw it away when another classmate saw it and contacted school administrators.
She said Melody got the piece of paper folded into a gun from her grandfather, a marine specializing in firearms, the day before and forgot about it.
Kelly told FOX29 Melody has been distraught by constant teasing of students after an administrator yelled at her and had her searched during the incident.
She has since kept her daughter out of class to avoid harassment.
Gallard stressed the district acted within its guidelines in responding to the situation, and pointed to another case where a handgun was recently found in a backpack at another school.
Kelly maintained her view Friday that the school district went too far and said she will now have Melody home schooled.
Monday, May 13 2013 1:53 PM EDT2013-05-13 17:53:44 GMT
Mother's Day just wasn't the same for Olga Ortiz of Newark, NJ. She said her daughter Melissa Rodriguez of Collingdale, would have spent the holiday weekend with family up there, but has not been seen
Police consider rebooting investigation of missing Delco mother as her mother marks Mother's Day without her.
Sunday, April 7 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-04-07 21:32:07 GMT
A Philadelphia firefighter from Ladder 27 died fighting a three-alarm blaze Saturday night in the city's Queen Village neighborhood. A second firefighter was injured.
A Philadelphia firefighter from Ladder 27 died fighting a three-alarm blaze Saturday night in the city's Queen Village neighborhood. A second firefighter was injured.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:08:49 GMT
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.If you were lucky enough to get outside Friday, to a place like the Perkiomen
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:01:38 GMT
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl. Some of the details are still a little twisted, reports
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl.
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