Hyattsville, Maryland – A Prince George’s County family is demanding answers after their seven-year-classic son suffered a complete femur fracture while at Edward M. Felegy Elementary School last week. The incident, which occurred on February 19th, has left parents Anthony and his wife deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding their son Daevian’s injury and the school’s response.
The ordeal began mid-morning when Anthony Donaldson received a distressing phone call from the school nurse. According to Donaldson, the nurse reported that Daevian was “on the floor… He won’t let anybody touch him,” and was “screaming bloody murder.” Rushing to the school, Donaldson found his son visibly terrified and curled up in pain. The family transported Daevian to a local hospital, where doctors confirmed a complete fracture of his femur – a serious injury for a child.
The lack of clarity surrounding the incident is particularly troubling for the Donaldsons. According to reports, a substitute teacher was present in the classroom at the time of the injury. When questioned, the substitute teacher reportedly stated, “Hey, I don’t know what happened. We started an activity, they were having fun and then the next minute he was on the floor crying.” This limited explanation has fueled the family’s frustration and their urgent need for a thorough investigation. Adding to their concern, Donaldson stated that no one at the school contacted emergency services (911) and he personally transported his son to the hospital.
Investigation Launched by Prince George’s County Public Schools
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has acknowledged the incident and stated they are “deeply concerned” that a student sustained an injury while at school. A spokesperson for PGCPS confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fracture, assess whether appropriate and timely actions were taken, and identify any necessary steps moving forward. NBC4 Washington first reported on the family’s concerns.
As part of the investigation, PGCPS has placed a staff member involved in the incident on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the review. The school system emphasized its expectation that all staff provide attentive supervision and support that reflects the individual needs of their students. This is particularly relevant in Daevian’s case, as he has autism and benefits from an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Understanding IEPs and Student Support
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legally binding document developed for students with disabilities who require specialized instruction and support. These programs are designed to address a student’s unique learning needs and ensure they have access to a free and appropriate public education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs the development and implementation of IEPs nationwide. The specifics of Daevian’s IEP are not publicly available, but the Donaldsons’ concerns highlight the importance of ensuring that these plans are consistently followed and that students receive the support they are entitled to.
The incident raises questions about the level of supervision provided in the classroom and whether Daevian’s IEP was adequately implemented. While PGCPS has stated its commitment to meeting the needs of all students, the family is seeking a more detailed explanation of what occurred and assurances that similar incidents will be prevented in the future. The school’s response will be scrutinized to determine if protocols were followed and if adequate safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable students.
Edward M. Felegy Elementary School: A Community Hub
Edward M. Felegy Elementary School, located at 6110 Editors Park Drive in Hyattsville, Maryland, serves students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the school had a total student enrollment of 641 students in the 2024-2025 school year, with a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 10.34 to 1. The school is part of the Prince George’s County Public Schools district, one of the largest school systems in Maryland.
Felegy Elementary has received recognition for its commitment to sustainability, earning Maryland Green School certification in both 2017 and 2021. The school also offers a range of programs, including Creative and Performing Arts and Dance, and operates as a Community School, providing resources and support to students and families. Dr. Trevor A. Liburd serves as the principal of Edward M. Felegy Elementary School.
The Road to Recovery for Daevian Donaldson
Daevian Donaldson underwent successful surgery to repair his fractured femur, but faces a lengthy recovery process. His father, Anthony Donaldson, emphasized the seriousness of the injury, stating that the road to recovery will take months and involve extensive physical therapy. Femur fractures in children often require immobilization with a cast or brace, followed by rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility. The long-term impact of the injury on Daevian’s physical and emotional well-being remains to be seen.
The Donaldson family’s experience underscores the importance of school safety and the need for clear protocols to address student injuries. Their pursuit of answers reflects a broader concern among parents about the well-being of their children while in school. The outcome of the PGCPS investigation will likely have implications for school safety policies and procedures throughout the district.
“I think You can equate it to car accidents — because that split second you take your eyes off the road, that’s it,” Donaldson said. “It’s the same thing in the classroom …. You gotta make sure these kids are looked after and make sure they’re safe.”
The Prince George’s County Public Schools investigation is ongoing. Officials have not provided a timeline for its completion. Parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed through official PGCPS channels and to advocate for the safety and well-being of all students. The next update from PGCPS regarding the investigation is expected within the next two weeks.
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