MCPS Downplays Incident Where Student is Alleged to have Assaulted NWHS Staff Member using Laptop

Updated 5:45pm 10/14/24 to include second letter from NWHS principal with more details

An incident occurred today (Monday 10/14/24) at Northwest High School in Montgomery County that is coming under heavy scrutiny after letter to parents does not seem to match up with local news reporting.

According to Moco360 reporting: “Staff member was conscious, ‘having trouble breathing,’ according to police radio transmissions” after having allegedly been assaulted by a student with a laptop.

Original Letter to Community

According to NWHS principal email: “Montgomery County Fire Department and an ambulance were on campus today at approximately 12:00 pm to provide medical assistance to a staff member. The incident did not impact student safety or disrupt the instructional program.”

While some details may be withheld due to medical and student privacy, this statement infers that there was no student involved and the staff member required medical assistance for another reason. There is nothing preventing MCPS from accurately describing the situation in general terms while keeping staff and student privacy in check.

Update New Letter

Update around 5:45pm on 10/14/24, a new letter was sent out to the NWHS community from the principal stating the following:

“I am writing to provide more information about the incident at school today in which emergency services were called. This was due to injuries sustained by a staff member who was allegedly struck by a student. Our security team and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) were called to investigate the matter and that work is ongoing at this time.

It is important to note that any student who chooses to commit an act of violence will be subject to progressive discipline in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct up to possible expulsion. Police will determine whether criminal charges may apply.

We thank the staff members who responded swiftly to the incident to ensure everyone’s safety. Our school remains committed to the safety and security of all students and staff. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school.”