Students get sick after eating edibles at Key Elementary School in NW

WASHINGTON — Several 5th-grade students got sick Wednesday and had to be hospitalized after consuming edibles they got from their classmate at Key Elementary School in Northwest D.C.

Editor's Note: The video above aired on March 3, 2023, and depicts another incident of students getting sick after ingesting edibles.

At the scene, DC Fire and EMS treated seven students for apparent reactions to the alleged drug consumption.

Five of the seven students were taken to area hospitals for additional treatment following the incident. 

Police say all seven students are in stable condition at this time.

Investigators have not said what substance was in the gummies that the students ate.

Officers claim a 5th-grade student brought the gummies containing the unidentified controlled substance to school and shared them with several of their classmates. 

The following letter was sent home to Key Elementary School families on Wednesday addressing the incident:

"Dear Key Elementary School Parents and Families, 

At Key, we highly value and are committed to fostering a learning environment where students are safe and secure. A large part of that commitment is communicating safety issues with parents when they arise. 

It was brought to the administration team’s attention that a student brought gummies containing an unidentified controlled substance to school and shared them with several other students in the 5th grade. Earlier today, students began to feel unwell and subsequently went to the nurse’s suite for evaluation. Due to the severity of illness, DC Fire and Emergency Services (FEMS) was called to further assess the students, at which time it was determined the symptoms presented aligned with ingestion of a controlled substance.

The families of all students involved in this incident were immediately contacted, and five students were transported to the hospital for continued monitoring. All health and safety protocols have been followed including cooperation with DC FEMs and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

As we work with the DC Public Schools Student Supports Division and our school-based mental health team to hold age-appropriate conversations around substance use awareness and prevention with our 5th grade students, we will also be prioritizing restorative practice in relation to this incident. In partnership, we ask that you please take a moment to remind your child(ren) that they should never ingest any unknown foods or substances, even if a friend or acquaintance offers it.

I want to emphasize that the health, safety, and well-being of our students are paramount. If you have any questions or concerns about this incident, please contact me via phone at (202) 729-3280 or email at jennifer.green@k12.dc.gov.a

 Thank you for your continued support."

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