A Fifth Grader Has Died After Falling Ill at Farmland Elementary School in Rockville

Updated on 10/26/21 at 1:55pm with additional information from The Washington Post

A fifth grade student at Farmland Elementary School has died, according to a letter sent home to the Rockville elementary school community.

According to a report from WJLA, “The student reportedly got ill inside the classroom and the school nurse was called. The school nurse determined 911 needed to be called. The school was placed into “shelter in place” mode while first responders tried to help the child. The child was taken to an area hospital where they were pronounced dead.“

The Washington Post writes that “school officials in Montgomery said they do not know the child’s cause of death but said the medical emergency came on suddenly at 9:50 a.m. Monday, not long after classes began at Farmland Elementary School, in the North Bethesda-Rockville area.”

School officials have also stated that they cannot comment on any possible connection to Covid-19, as they do not have any information on what caused the sudden illness.

The school will continue to have qualified staff onsite to support students and staff as they deal with this loss in the days ahead.

The letter to the Farmland Elementary School community can be seen below.

“Good evening, Farmland families:

As a follow-up to my earlier communication, where I shared an onsite emergency, resulting in having
emergency personnel on-site, it is with sadness that I inform you of the sudden death of one of our
5th-grade students.

As a school community, we are working to balance offering respect and support to his family at this
sad time.

While we have not shared this loss with any of our students, our school psychologist and counselors
along with the district-level staff were onsite and available to support our students who were present
when the medical emergency occurred. We will continue to have qualified staff onsite to support
students and staff as we deal with this loss in the days ahead.

It is very difficult for all of us to face the death of a young person. Your child may be coming home with
questions and worries about this loss. Should you desire to discuss this loss with your child at home,
we have enclosed some suggestions that may prove helpful to you as you discuss death.

I know you join me in extending heartfelt sympathy to this family and the Farmland family during this time. When we receive information regarding funeral arrangements, I will share the information with you.

Your support during this challenging time for our school community is appreciated.

Sincerely,
April D Longest
Principal
Farmland ES”