A Bronx mother spoke exclusively to News 12, alleging that her 8-year-old daughter touched an illegal substance while attending an after-school program at P.S. 119 in Union Port.
“I don’t sleep at night anymore,” said the emotional mother, who asked not to be identified for safety reasons. “It’s hard. I stare at my daughter all night because, it’s like, today I could’ve not had a daughter.”
The mom said she got a call from another parent after another student approached her third grader with what they claimed to be “powdered sugar.”
“I was in complete shock at first, ran to the school,” the mother said. “All I thought about was just grabbing my daughter.”
Police said illegal narcotics were found at the public elementary school on Oct. 24.
Authorities said at least three children were taken to area hospitals, all in stable condition.
Some parents told News 12 that they received an email from the school’s principal, who confirmed the incident.
The Department of Education released the following statement: “The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. While this occurred during after-school programming, which is not managed by the school, what transpired is absolutely unacceptable and extremely concerning. We are grateful that no students were seriously hurt, and a full investigation in partnership with NYPD is ongoing. We are also deploying additional counselors and a NYCPS Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialist to the school to provide support.”
News 12 asked the DOE to identify who oversees the program. We are waiting for a response.
“When parents send their kids to school, we think it’s a safe haven for them,” the mother said. “We never would think something like this could happen.”
The mom said she has not heard from the after-school program and wants them to be held accountable.
“[My daughter’s] safety comes first,” the mother said. “So, I wouldn’t be sending my daughter back to that program.”