RICHMOND, Va. -- A kindergarten teacher was attacked and suffered serious injuries inside Linwood Holton Elementary School, Richmond Police confirmed. The attack occurred at 8:50 a.m. Wednesday, just before school was about to begin.
The woman accused in the attack is the mother of a child in the teacher's class. The attack was described as unprovoked. No weapons were used, police said.
Following the attack, the mother was able to leave the school and drive away, police said. She then drove to a family member's home where she then allegedly assaulted a relative.
The woman has not yet been charged with a crime. There were several behind-the-scenes issues that prevented police from both commenting and arresting the mother.
Early arriving students are held in the gym and cafeteria prior to school and did not witness the attack.
Citing confidentiality matters, a Richmond Public Schools spokeswoman declined to provide specific details about the incident. In a letter sent home to Holton parents Thursday, school leaders reiterated school visitation procedures:
We will continue to be diligent in the enforcement of our visitor management procedures. While we strongly encourage regular communication with your child’s teacher, we ask that you schedule such opportunities in advance and during the teacher’s planning time, where possible. Unannounced visits to the classrooms can be disruptive to the instructional environment and are not permitted. All visitors must report to the main office.
Additionally, please be reminded that students should report to the cafeteria, gym or other assigned area during morning arrival. Our staff members have assigned locations throughout the building to ensure a safe and orderly process for students during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.
The teacher did not return to school on Thursday.
