Schools

Recess Monitor Saves Choking Student

A recess monitor from Rogers Elementary School did some quick-thinking when one of her students was choking.

Fifth-grader Breanna Ulozas was eating lunch at April 25 when she started choking on a piece of food. 

Breanna's friends noticed she was struggling and got the attention of cafeteria recess monitor Shelley Smith. Smith began performing the Heimlich Maneuver and dislodged the piece of food. 

“Mrs. Smith is always nice, but I never thought that she would be someone who was going to save my life one day,” Breanna said in a district release. “I got really scared because I couldn't breathe, but when Mrs. Smith took care of me, I knew I was going to be okay.”

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The fifth-grader was wearing a retainer that made chewing difficult after having oral surgery.

Each year, district nurses train the cafeteria recess monitors on proper Heimlich Maneuver techniques. Smith, who has been with the district for 7 years, has trained several times. 

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Rogers Elementary School Principal Dr. Jeff Bresler said Smith and Breanna's friends handled the situation perfectly.

“One of the school-wide rules that Rogers practices daily is to, ‘Take Care of Each Other,’” Bresler said. “This was another example of how our students and staff look out for one another and make sure everyone is safe.” 


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