WASHINGTON — After a Beltsville Academy student nearly drowned during a class trip to Six Flags on Wednesday, the school’s principal is urging parents to speak with and listen to their child who may have witnessed the incident.
According to Prince George’s County Fire/EMS, the incident happened just after 1:30 p.m. The teen, an eighth-grader, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
“A number of students who witnessed the incident were deeply affected by it,” said Beltsville Academy Principal Leslie Lowe in a letter to parents.
School psychologists and professional counselors will be available for students and staff Thursday and for as long as necessary, said the letter.
Lowe suggested the following ways parents can help children cope with their questions and worries:
- Speak to the child about the crisis accurately and in a manner they can understand.
- Listen carefully to the child and show them understanding.
- Give affection through “hugs and other physical contact.”
- Spend time with and focus attention on the child by “playing games, having discussions and going places.”
- Encourage the child to share their feelings.
- Check in on the child by asking how they are even if they don’t show or share their feelings.
WTOP’s Rob Woodfork contributed to this report.
