C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School Principal Carrie Burke addressed an incident involving two students in a school bathroom, clarifying initial misconceptions shared on social media. The situation, which occurred on November 15, 2024, involved horseplay and was not a suicide attempt, as some early reports suggested.
Incident Details and Initial Response
In a letter to parents, guardians, and staff, Burke explained that two students were playing in a school bathroom when one student’s jacket became caught on a stall door hook. Unable to free themselves, the second student left the bathroom to seek help from school staff, who quickly responded and assisted the trapped student.
Emergency medical services (EMS) were called as a precautionary measure, although the student had already been freed and appeared unharmed. Due to privacy considerations, no additional details about the student were disclosed.
Social Media Misinformation
The incident led to some confusion when a community member posted on social media, speculating that it was a suicide attempt based on the initial 911 report. Principal Burke noted in her letter that Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) quickly worked to dispel the inaccurate information, sharing updates with families and staff after addressing the immediate needs of students and staff involved.
“I understand that the initial 911 report resulted in a first responder call that shared a possible suicide attempt occurred at our school,” Burke wrote. “This was then posted on social media by a community member, causing a bit of community concern.”
Administrative and Staff Actions
Burke commended the quick actions of the student who sought help, as well as staff for their professionalism in handling the situation. She acknowledged the disruption to the school schedule and praised students for cooperating during the emergency response.
“Any time we have an emergency situation at our school, the administrative team will quickly address [it], ensure all students and staff are safe, and then communicate with parents after we have accurate information to share,” Burke said.
The school resource officer (SRO) and local police are assisting with the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Community Engagement
Burke concluded the letter by encouraging parents and guardians to reach out with questions about the incident.
“Thank you for your continued support of C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School,” she wrote. “If you have any questions I can answer about this incident, please email me at cburke@ccboe.com.”
You should talk to the victims mother…you will not regret it.
This article doesn’t give into the fact that WTF is a fourth grader doing in the same bathroom as a 7 year old child with NO adult supervision?? oh and that 4th grader said “I’ll do what my family used to do your kind.” EXCUSE ME?!!? WHO ARE THESE PARENTS AND THAT DAMN SOCIOPATH CHILD
Please tell me where you’ve gotten your information from.
So the news is ignoring that the family says that he was hung up there on purpose?
No, an article has been written with the mothers version of what happened.