Update: A GoFundMe has been launched to support the family of the injured student.
A student at Odessa Shannon Middle School in Silver Spring was seriously injured on Wednesday after being struck by a metal object thrown by another student during a physical education class, requiring emergency medical attention and hospitalization.
In a letter to families, Principal Dr. Natasha H. Booms said school officials activated emergency protocols, notified families, and are providing counseling and support to students and staff affected by the incident.
According to DC News Now, the student’s mother said her son was in the pediatric intensive care unit Thursday after suffering brain injuries during the incident.
Dear Odessa Shannon Middle School Community,I want to take a moment to acknowledge a very serious incident that occurred during a Physical Education class yesterday. During the class, a student was struck by what was described as a metal object thrown by another student, resulting in injuries that required immediate medical attention. Emergency Medical Technicians responded quickly, and the student was transported to the hospital. At this time, we understand the student remains in serious condition. Our thoughts and hearts are with the student and their family, and we are staying in contact to offer support and receive updates on their condition.Yesterday, our first priority was the well-being of the injured student, the students and staff who were directly involved, and ensuring that appropriate emergency procedures were followed. During
the incident, we enacted a HOLD status to allow EMTs and first responders to quickly and safely assist the student, and we alerted families about the HOLD using Remind messages. Our last communication of the day went to the families of the students in the affected Physical Education class, containing specifics to what students may have witnessed. This morning, we provided counseling support to the students in the impacted class and will continue to do so if students are in need.We recognize that any serious incident affects our entire school community. Please know we are taking this matter seriously and with care. Our staff will continue to reinforce expectations for safety and appropriate behavior, and additional supports are available for students or staff who may need to talk about what happened.Thank you for your understanding and partnership in keeping our students safe and cared for.Sincerely,Dr. Natasha H. Booms
Principal
Odessa Shannon Middle School
