In a shocking incident at Whitin Intermediate School in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, a student sustained injuries from a malfunctioning school laptop during a standardized test. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when a sixth-grade student was using a school-owned Chromebook to take an English Language Arts MCAS test. The laptop suddenly started smoking and the student’s hands were burned.
Uxbridge Public Schools Superintendent Michael Baldassarre addressed the incident at a press conference later in the day, stating that the malfunction occurred in the area where the laptop’s battery was located. He assured the public that the laptop in question was relatively new and had been purchased from a reputable company at the beginning of the year.
As a precautionary measure, the school building was evacuated, and the student was taken to a hospital by his mother for treatment of his burns. Fortunately, he has since been released from the hospital. Superintendent Baldassarre mentioned that although the student’s hands were not in direct contact with the Chromebook, he is currently using ice packs for comfort.
The Uxbridge Fire Department responded promptly to clear and ventilate the school building, allowing students and staff to return safely. However, MCAS testing at the school has been halted until further notice according to the district. The school district is working closely with the Department of Technology and Digital Learning to investigate the incident. They have also reached out to the laptop supplier, requesting a representative to evaluate the laptop and determine the cause of the malfunction.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of students using laptops in schools. Superintendent Baldassarre emphasized that their primary focus is ensuring the safety of students and preventing similar incidents in the future. He stated, “We need to understand what caused this and know what, if anything, we need to do to make sure that our kids are safe moving forward.” The district is taking proactive measures to address any potential risks associated with the use of laptops in schools.
As this is a developing story, 7NEWS is committed to providing the latest updates both on-air and online. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the safety and well-being of students during their educational endeavors. The school district’s prompt response and collaboration with relevant authorities demonstrate their commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring the safety of all students.
