PITTSBURGH — Target 11 Investigator Rick Earle has confirmed that two elementary school students will face disciplinary action for bringing airsoft guns to school.
Pittsburgh Minadeo officials sent a letter home to parents earlier this week informing them of the incident (see below).
https://twitter.com/WPXITarget11/status/537662306449362944
Pittsburgh Public Schools spokeswoman Ebony Pugh told Earle that two fifth-grade students brought the air pellet guns to school and fired them in class.
According to Pugh, one student said he was hit with something in the back.
Pugh said the two students face disciplinary action and will be cited.
“I think it’s important for not only the parents, but the school to teach the children that this is not appropriate and it’s not safe,” said another parent.
Below is the letter sent home to parents:
November 24, 2014
Dear Minadeo Parents/Guardians,
I wanted to let you know that on Friday, November 21, 2014, afternoon it was brought to my attention that two students brought pellet airsoft guns to school. Several student witnesses reported to staff that two students were in possession of airsoft guns which led to questioning, the discovery and confiscation of the pellet airsoft guns. Although pellet airsoft guns are non-lethal replica guns that shoot plastic pellets, they are considered a weapon.
At Pittsburgh Minadeo, we are committed to sharing these types of incidents with you as the safety of our students and staff is always a top priority. Due to the immediate response of our staff, the situation was resolved safely.
Occurrences such as this shed light on the critical importance of having an open dialogue with children regarding all weapons-toy or real. Please take a moment to talk with your children about the need to inform an adult anytime they witness a questionable situation, whether they are at home or in school. Please let them know that they play a vital role in keeping our school safe.
We also strongly encourage you to make sure that your children do not have access to any weapons. When a child brings a weapon, toy or real, to school, it is serious and regardless of intentions, we must comply with the law and the School District Code of Student Conduct.
I am asking for your assistance in keeping all of our students and staff safe at Pittsburgh Minadeo. The guidance and direction you provide as a parent or guardian is absolutely critical as we work together to keep our school a safe and welcoming learning environment for all.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 412-529-4015.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Melissa Wagner,
Principal, Pittsburgh Minadeo
WPXI
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