Special Needs Student Walks Out of Massapequa Elementary School

A third-grader with special needs walked home early from a Massapequa elementary school Wednesday, according to a News 12 report.

The 8-year-old girl, who is reportedly diagnosed with ADHD and ODD, left Unqua Elementary School with another student, ran into a teacher’s aide in the parking lot, and ran away from the school before arriving at her home, the report says.

Relatives said police were not informed of the incident while school officials maintain that police were notified, according to the report.

The student will be in class with an aide Thursday, News 12 reported.

Massapequa Superintendent Lucille Iconis addressed the incident in a letter posted on the district’s website. It reads:

Dear School Community:

An incident occurred today at the Unqua School whereby two students left the building unauthorized. After a 911 response from the Nassau County Police working with School District security and staff, the students were located and found to be safe.

Following the incident, district officials immediately convened an investigation to determine the course of events and if regular processes and protocols warranted revision to strengthen security measures already in place.

Student and staff safety is our primary concern. As all emergencies are unique, they each provide us with the ability to critique our response. We take emergency planning very seriously and will continue to keep student and staff safety as our highest priority.