Class at one Northeast D.C. elementary school got some unexpected visitors when raccoons slipped into Noyes Elementary, prompting staff to relocate one classroom while crews swept the building for the animals. Students continued lessons in a temporary space as facilities teams worked to track down the raccoons and check the school for any weak spots in the building.
In a letter to families obtained by WUSA9, Principal Kermit Burks said Department of General Services crews were on site to “pinpoint the location of the raccoons, complete a thorough inspection, and address any structural issues” that may have let the animals inside. Burks told families that “work continues to get the raccoons out of the school safely,” and that the affected classroom had been moved so instruction could carry on while the response played out.
DGS Crews Called In
The Department of General Services handles maintenance and repairs for District owned buildings, including D.C. public schools. The agency fields work orders and dispatches crews for facility issues, which puts DGS teams on the front lines at school incidents like this to inspect entry points, make needed repairs and lower the odds of any repeat wildlife intrusions.
School Day Rolls On, Families Kept in the Loop
According to the letter obtained by WUSA9, families were directed to reach out to Principal Kermit Burks with questions while crews worked on the building. School officials said students were kept in safe instructional spaces and that leaders would update the community once inspections wrapped up and any needed repairs were finished.
Health And Safety Check
Raccoons can carry rabies and other pathogens, and public health guidance is to avoid close contact with wild animals and keep pets up to date on vaccinations, according to the CDC. D.C. Health’s Animal Services resources outline local reporting options and information for residents concerned about encounters with wildlife. Anyone who had direct contact with a raccoon is advised to seek medical guidance quickly and follow public health instructions.
Crews continued their work into the afternoon, and the school asked families to watch official channels for updates posted through the Noyes Elementary School website. School leaders said regular instruction would move forward while facilities teams finish checking the building and secure any vulnerable access points.
