La Plata, MD – An altercation between a language arts teacher and eighth grade student at Milton M. Somers Middle School (MSMS) in Charles County remains under investigation by that jurisdiction’s public school system officials.
According to a letter mailed to parents by MSMS Principal Sandra Taylor on Thursday, Feb. 14—the day the incident occurred—the fight erupted prior to dismissal time.
“I spoke with the teacher and Vice Principal [Nichole] Bolden talked with the student involved in the incident and others in the classroom,” Taylor stated in her letter. “School administration and members of the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Office of School Safety and Security continue to investigate the matter.”
Taylor requested that any students who may have recorded the incident on their cell phones to turn them over to their parents and are asking parents to send school officials any video of the altercation in order to aid officials in their investigation.
“I encourage you to speak with your children about services available at school,” Taylor stated in her letter. “In the event students are having conflicts with others, including staff members, there are people at the school who are here to help them work through issues without resorting to fighting or violence. Please tell your children that all information is kept confidential.”
“The incident, as is our procedure, is under investigation,” said CCPS spokeswoman Katie O’Malley-Simpson, who declined to comment further on the current status of either the teacher or the student involved.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com