Montgomery County paraeducator accused of kicking child with autism

A paraeducator in Montgomery County was charged with child abuse Monday after she was accused of kicking an elementary-school-aged child with autism in the chest because the boy drank some of her soda.

Meleni Hoffman, 32, faces felony abuse and misdemeanor assault charges in Rockville District Court, where she is scheduled for a hearing next month.

Hoffman, who has not been arrested, did not respond to messages left on a publicly listed phone number. As of Wednesday, a lawyer was not listed as representing her in court records.

Investigators say that on April 9, at Candlewood Elementary, Hoffman took out a snack “that interested the kids in the class,” causing them to gather around her. One child ran over and “took a sip of her soda,” police said...

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/08/21/montgomery-county-paraeducator-accused-of-kicking-child-with-autism/?share=wec8agytaelaskoumum2

Brunswick High School student athletes face charges for locker room assaults

BRUNSWICK, Md. (DC News Now) — Five student athletes are accused of using a sex toy to assault classmates at Brunswick High School.

Frederick County Sheriff’s investigators say the two incidents happened in separate locker rooms at the school on April 3, 2025, and April 11, 2025.

“It’s disgusting,” Gary Ozmer said when he heard about what happened.

The second incident involved four of the athletes, as one of them, according to investigators, recorded the attack on his cell phone. That investigation led to the discovery of the earlier incident.

That one, investigators said, saw two athletes hold down the victim, while a third also recorded the incident. Two of the individuals also took part in the April 11 attack...

https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/maryland/frederick-county-md/brunswick-high-school-student-athletes-face-charges-for-locker-room-assaults/

Parents say MCPS isn't preventing special ed students from disrupting, harming kids

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Some Montgomery County parents tell 7News special education students have grabbed, struck, pushed, and shaken their children at school due to a lack of control over students with special needs.

We heard complaints from several parents. One of them agreed to go on camera and told 7News, special education students attacked both of her daughters.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) parent Alexis Anolik shared photos with us of her three children...

https://wjla.com/news/local/montgomery-county-special-education-students-attack-safety-needs-teachers-parents-concern-mcps-maryland-schools-classrooms-seses-incidents-anxiety-transparency-training-paraeducators-security

Montgomery County Public Schools boosts discipline policy amid rise of violent incidents

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is enacting sweeping changes to its student discipline policy in response to a recent uptick in violent incidents, including bomb threats, weapons on campus, and assaults on staff. S

Starting this fall, students who commit the most serious offenses could face long-term suspension or even expulsion. The updated Code of Conduct reclassifies threats and violent actions as Level 4 or 5 violations — the highest disciplinary categories under the district’s new guidelines.

Offenses such as making bomb threats, physically assaulting school personnel, or bringing weapons onto school property will now carry the most severe consequences.

The move comes after several alarming events during the current school year.

At Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, two lockdowns in one week in February forced administrators and first responders into emergency mode — one incident involved shots fired near campus, and another centered around a student bringing an airsoft gun to school. These kinds of threats used to be considered minor, but that’s no longer the case.

Data supports the shift. Last year, MCPS recorded 221 weapon-related incidents — an 11% increase over the previous year. Bomb threats also saw a similar rise...

https://wjla.com/news/local/montgomery-county-public-schools-mcps-bomb-threats-weapons-on-campus-and-assaults-on-staff-bethesda-chevy-chase-high-school-lockdown-counseling-services-behavior-intervention-programs-weapons-related-incidents-alternative-learning-options

B-CC High student held without bond after Wednesday shooting in downtown Bethesda park

Nicolas Blanco, 18, faces assault and fire-arms related charges

A Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School student allegedly involved in a Wednesday morning shooting during a fight in a downtown Bethesda park was ordered Friday to be held without bond in Montgomery County District Court in Rockville, according to digital court records.

No injuries were reported after the incident at Chase Avenue Urban Park at 4701 Chase Ave., less than 1 mile from the high school at 4301 East West Highway, according to the Maryland-National Capital Park Police. The shooting caused Bethesda-Chevy Chase High and a nearby private school to go into lockdown that morning.

Nicolas Paolo Blanco, 18, was arrested by the Maryland-National Capital Park Police on Thursday. He faces charges of first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and firearm-related offenses for the non-contact shooting during the fight involving a number of youths...

https://bethesdamagazine.com/2025/02/21/b-cc-student-park-shooting-held-without-bond/

2 arrested after fight, gunshots led to Bethesda-Chevy Chase High lockdown

...On Thursday, Maryland-National Capital Park Police arrested a juvenile for gun-related charges and 18-year-old Nicholas Paolo Blanco on multiple charges related to the incident.

In a letter to school families, Principal Shelton Mooney said that around 10:10 a.m. on Wednesday, a member of the community alerted the school that gunshots were heard in a nearby park. School staff then notified emergency personnel and police.

The people involved in the fight dispersed after the sound of gunshots and the school then went into lockdown mode out of an abundance of caution.

No one was hurt in the shooting.

After reviewing footage of the fight, Mooney said, it was determined that some of the people involved were students at Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Mooney said...

https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2025/02/principal-fighting-students-sound-of-gunshots-led-to-bethesda-chevy-chase-high-lockdown/

Whitman High School Students Involved in Altercation at School

A violent assault occurred at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda Monday.

According to a letter to high school community members from Principal Gregory Miller, “a physical altercation took place involving several Whitman students. The incident was recorded.”

The assault was reported to the county police department and “an investigation is currently underway,” Miller wrote...

https://www.mymcmedia.org/whitman-high-school-students-involved-in-altercation-at-school/

WTOP: Violence, mold, asbestos: Staffers at Montgomery Co. alternative school voice safety concerns

Teachers and staff at a building that houses two Montgomery County, Maryland, schools — which cater to students with additional needs — claim the school system is not doing enough to ensure students and staff have both a healthy and safe place to learn.

One half of the Blair G. Ewing Center on Avery Road in Rockville has been home to one alternative learning school known by staff as “Avery Road.” The school is one of three that serves students who have behavioral issues or other learning difficulties that require they be removed from their prior public school.

At the beginning of this school year, a second school, known as “Cloverleaf” in Germantown, relocated to the vacant side of the Blair Ewing facility. Two staff members who spoke with WTOP said they arrived to find mold and even warnings about asbestos.

“When we first came in, we had visible mold on ceiling tiles and walls and floors. We had leaks in some of the bathrooms that dripped and flowed down the wall when it rains,” said one teacher WTOP will refer to as “Teacher A.”..

Violence, mold, asbestos: Staffers at Montgomery Co. alternative school voice safety concerns - WTOP News

Video appears to show former Maryland principal stomping on foot of kindergartner with autism

ROCKVILLE, Md. - A new video has surfaced allegedly showing a principal stomping on the foot of a kindergarten student with autism. The incident reportedly occurred last year at Ritchie Park Elementary School in Montgomery County. Andrew Winter, who was reassigned to Rock Creek Valley Elementary before withdrawing, is now at the center of controversy...

Video appears to show former Maryland principal stomping on foot of kindergartner with autism | FOX 5 DC

  

Trial Set for Ritchie Park Elementary Principal Accused of Assaulting Student

Ritchie Park Elementary School Principal Andrew Winter, who is charged with assaulting a student, posted an unsecured personal bond of $1,500 Tuesday and is free on bail.

Winter’s trial is set for July 18 at Montgomery District Court in Rockville, according to digital court records. He is charged with second-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

The North Potomac resident was arrested following a joint investigation by Rockville City Police and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation began on Feb. 9, the date of the alleged assault on a student...

https://www.mymcmedia.org/trial-set-for-ritchie-park-elementary-principal-accused-of-assaulting-student/

Ritchie Park Principal Arrested on 2nd Degree Assault Charge

The principal at Ritchie Park Elementary School was arrested Monday and charged with assaulting a student.

A joint investigation by Rockville City Police and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office began on Feb. 9 when police became aware of an alleged assault on a student.

Principal Andrew Winter, 54, is charged with one count of second degree assault. He turned himself at the county’s Central Processing Unit and he is expected to have an initial appearance in Montgomery County District Court soon...

https://www.mymcmedia.org/ritchie-park-principal-arrested-on-2nd-degree-assault-charge/

UPDATE TO ASSAULT AT LAKELANDS PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL IN GAITHERSBURG, MD

UPDATE TO ASSAULT AT LAKELANDS PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL IN GAITHERSBURG, MD

This evening @fox5dc reporter @DKaplanFox5DC, did a live segment from the school. A 12-year-old girl at @MCPS Lakelands Park Middle School was reportedly assaulted, and suffered serious injuries during a… https://t.co/r9q4Zh82Ev pic.twitter.com/taqFnvY9J1

— Romeo (@RVANOVA01) January 31, 2024

Montgomery Co. parents criticize delay in notifying community about fight that hospitalized student

Some Montgomery County, Maryland, parents are upset that their child’s middle school waited two days to tell them about a fight that sent a student to the hospital.

The fight between two girls happened at Lakelands Park Middle School in Gaithersburg last Wednesday during dismissal; and according to the school’s principal, it was broken up by adults who were nearby...

https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2024/01/montgomery-co-parents-criticize-delay-in-notifying-community-about-fight-that-hospitalized-student/

Updated: Police not called - @mcps 12-year-old suffers traumatic head injuries, loses consciousness 4 times, during school altercation: officials

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - A 12-year-old girl at Lakelands Park Middle School was violently assaulted and suffered serious injuries during a physical altercation.

Officials say she suffered traumatic injuries to her head, causing her to lose consciousness on four occasions, and seizure activity. The student was transported to Fairfax Inova Pediatrics Trauma Unit for emergency medical care...

https://www.fox5dc.com/news/12-year-old-injured-during-altercation-at-lakelands-park-middle-school-officials

One Person in Police Custody Following Assault at Springbrook High

Montgomery County Police are investigating a physical assault at Springbrook High School on Valley Brook Drive in Silver Spring.

One person is in custody following the assault Tuesday...

One Person in Police Custody Following Assault at Springbrook High - Montgomery Community Media (mymcmedia.org)

Five Teens Arrested in Connection with Assault After High School Football Game

 For Immediate Release: Friday, September 8, 2023

Gaithersburg, MD - Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police 2nd District Investigative Section have arrested five teenagers believed to be involved in an assault outside of a Bethesda Metro station on Friday, September 1, 2023.

16-year-old Kharon Crosby of Bethesda, is facing charges as an adult, including armed robbery and second-degree assault. Additionally, two other teenagers, aged 15 and 16, have been charged as juveniles with robbery and second-degree assault offenses. Two 15-year-olds face first-degree-assault charges.

The incident took place following a Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Walter Johnson football game, where the three accused teens allegedly assaulted and robbed other teenage victims.

A male victim, along with a parent, reported the assault to police the night of the incident.

A video of the assault surfaced on social media, drawing the attention of Montgomery County Police. As a result, detectives were able to identify the suspects with the assistance of Montgomery County Public School leaders. This case remains an active and ongoing investigation, and more arrests are expected to be made.

Anyone with additional information related to this case is asked to contact the Montgomery County Department of Police 2nd District Investigative Section at (240) 773-6710.

# # #

Release ID: 23-532
Media Contact: S.D. Goff 
Categories: assault

Montgomery County Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov)

Seven Locks Elementary Holds Town Hall to Address Incidents at the school, changes "follow-up" structures.

Good evening 4th grade families, 

Based on the outcomes of this afternoon's Town Hall, our follow-up structures have changed, and we will no longer be having small group meetings. Dr. Bingham sought out several of you this evening, who she will be speaking with directly, and that information will be shared with the larger team as we move forward. If you did not connect with Dr. Bingham, someone else who was a part of our panel today or would like to meet with me, please reach out directly. Our goal is to listen to your concerns and address each of them with care and attention. Additionally, Dr. Crews has coordinated additional counseling services to be on-site tomorrow and through the week. If you would NOT like your child to have any support from a school counselor, please reach out to me directly. I look forward to continuing to partner to support our students' safety and well-being. Respectfully, Mrs. Carr 

Ilana Carr Seven Locks Principal 

3 students charged with robbery after alleged assault at Montgomery Co. high school

Police in Rockville, Maryland, have charged three students, ages 14 and 15, with robbery after an assault inside a bathroom at Richard Montgomery High School earlier this month involving students from another school.

Police said they responded to Richard Montgomery on Jan. 13 for a report of an assault that happened inside the school. A student also later reported seeing a gun outside the school, which led to the school being placed on lockdown...

3 students charged with robbery after alleged assault at Montgomery Co. high school - WTOP News

Police: 3 juveniles arrested after group of Gaithersburg students were led into a school bathroom and robbed

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Three juvenile boys have been arrested and charged with robbery after an assault at Richard Montgomery High School. On Jan. 13, Rockville City Police responded to Richard Montgomery High School (RMHS) for the report of an assault which occurred inside the school and an allegation that a gun had been brandished off school grounds forcing the school to enter a brief lockdown...

Three students charged with robbery in Montgomery County | wusa9.com

Update: Gaithersburg High is once again getting attention for the wrong reasons, 4 months after a massive brawl on a football field. Students have circulated concerning photos...

Gaithersburg High is once again getting attention for the wrong reasons, 4 months after a massive brawl on a football field.
As students return to class Tuesday at Richard Montgomery High, families are learning more about a disturbing incident that occurred Friday. @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/oCPGT45I5H

— John Gonzalez (@John7News) January 17, 2023

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