A Minnesota mother wants answers after she says her kindergarten daughter ended up hospitalized after another child at school gave her candy. Rachel Hodges' daughter, Da'Kyah, reportedly became extremely sick and disoriented after ingesting what she described as looking like pills. Hodges says Da'Kyah, who has a twin, didn't even recognize her sibling, and the terrified mother says the school owes her an explanation.
Hodges told WCCO she received a call from Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School in Minneapolis regarding Da'Kyah falling ill at school on May 6. She had no idea what the next few days would bring.
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Da'Kyah allegedly took something from another child.
The kindergartner told WCCO the other child allegedly said she was sharing candy with her, but that wasn't actually the case.
"But she pranked me," Da'Kyah told the news station. "After I ate them, she said, 'Ha, just kidding. They're poisonous candies.' My body was hurting and yeah, it was scary."
School officials told Hodges her daughter was vomiting.
The mother explained that she was told Da'Kyah threw up and appeared to be having seizures. Her daughter's behavior was apparently terrifying.
"She didn't know who I was," Hodges said. "She didn't know my mom. She has a twin, she didn't know him."
Da'Kyah was taken to a nearby emergency room, but doctors reportedly told the family she was not having a seizure. Her illness appeared to be a mystery.
"I've never even seen a child act that way," Hodges said. "And it's just sad, because she's scared of me, and I'm her mom."
Police turned the case over to Child Protective Services.
Hodges told WCCO that an officer who looked at Da'Kyah's eyes knew something was wrong.
"They seen that she was dilated. Her eyes were crossed and bugged really big, and they knew she had to have ingested something she shouldn't have," she explained.
A Minneapolis police representative told the news outlet, "In accordance with normal procedure for processing a report involving young children, this case has been referred to Child Protective Services (CPS). MPD will continue to partner with CPS as this case moves forward."
The school district addressed concerns.
According to an announcement on the Minneapolis Public Schools website, the incident is under investigation.
"Minneapolis Public Schools prioritizes the safety of all our students and takes all concerns related to safety seriously. Due to data privacy laws, we are unable to disclose specific details relating to this incident; however the matter is being investigated, and we are working closely with those who are directly impacted," the post reads. "MPS will also work cooperatively with law enforcement and other agencies as appropriate. We are committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming learning environment for all of our students and families."
The principal also made a statement to families.
Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary Principal Kelly Wright explained to parents that an incident occurred at school earlier in the week and was under investigation. Wright told parents their children and their safety are always top of mind.
"Concerns have been brought forward regarding an alleged incident that occurred in our building earlier this week. While we are unable to share additional information regarding those concerns due to state and federal data privacy laws, please know that we are taking this matter very seriously and are actively looking into the concerns that have been raised," Wright explained on the website.
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Hodges is extremely concerned about her daughter.
The worried mother has posted multiple updates about her daughter on Facebook and has asked anyone who knows the child not to mention what happened as Da'Kayah has "triggers" that could send her into an "episode."
Hodges said she would not stop until she had answers.
"It's so weird to withhold info on a child. My baby could have died. Shes still not the same little girl I dropped her off as on MONDAY morning!" she wrote on Facebook. "Mfs don't care because it's not their daughter. I will NEVER BE OK I'm gonna keep pressing this and STOP ASKING ME to keep quiet. IMA BE LOUD everyday!"
