Smoke But No Fire Disrupts Lackey High School

STUDENTS AND FACULTY evacuated Lackey High School after smoke was discovered in a bathroom at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday.

According to a statement from Principal Curry Werkheiser, smoke set off the sprinkler system.  The system functioned as designed and flooded both the bathroom and parts of C hallway. The water was shut off and school system employees immediately began cleaning up the water.

School administrators with Charles County deputies checked the bathroom and the building for further signs of danger before students were allowed back inside.  Classes resumed at 10:10 a.m.

Unfortunately, the incident disrupted PSAT and government testing in progress that morning.  The government testing resumed on schedule and students whose tests were interrupted completed the test on Friday. 

CCPS contacted The College Board, which administers the PSAT, to arrange a make up test.  Lackey administers the PSAT each year to all sophomores and some juniors. Werkheiser states that Lackey staff “will let students know about possible retesting when we receive an answer from The College Board”.

Werkheiser assures parents that safety is a priority at Lackey; and the Sheriff’s Office is now investigating the incident.  He encourages parents and guardians to call the school office with questions or concerns.

“Any student found responsible for causing this type of disruption to the school day faces disciplinary action by the school as well as criminal charges by police,” said Werkheiser in his statement.