Crime & Safety

Paulding Student Dies During Farm Field Trip

The student died while visiting a Cartersville Highway farm with classmates, Paulding County school officials say.

ROCKMART, GA β€” A McGarity Elementary School student died while on a field trip Wednesday in Rockmart, Paulding County school officials said Thursday.

The unnamed student was visiting a Cartersville Highway farm along with classmates, the Paulding County School District said. It is unknown how the student died.

McGarity Principal Jamesa Hodge wrote a letter to the community, which Patch has obtained.

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"Our hearts are with the student’s family and loved ones," Hodge said. "... Our staff remains committed to supporting every student’s emotional well-being, and our counselors are available to help. ... This is a difficult time for all of us, but I know our McGarity community will come together with compassion and care as we remember our classmate. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this profoundly sad time."

School officials said counseling services were available to students and staff members to help with processing grief.

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The farm where the student died is located about 30 minutes west of Hiram.

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