Irving police said an 11-year-old girl who ran away from an elementary school Tuesday afternoon was found safe Wednesday night. [[422846914,R]]
Anna Monsivais left Schulze Elementary School in the 1200 block of South Irving Heights Drive without permission from the school or her parents, principal Robin Bayer said in a letter to parents.
Irving Independent School District spokeswoman Lesley Weaver said officials thought Monsivais had a plan to run away. The girl asked to use the restroom, and she was allowed to do so with another student as a buddy system. When the buddy was in the restroom, Monsivais met with another girl, who then helped her leave the school.
Police said they think Monsivais called her father, who picked her up at about 10 p.m.
"We are all very thankful that she's home and safe," Weaver said.
Parents Worry After 5th Grader Sneaks Out of School
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Some parents with children at Schulze Elementary School raised questions about how a child could leave the school unnoticed and without permission.
"My worry is that they can just open the door and just walk out without anybody noticing," Victor Dominguez said.
There are multiple exits from the school and administrators said Monsivais left through a side door, which was unlocked from the inside for fire safety.
Each Irving ISD elementary school has two school resource officers, but Irving police point out they can't be everywhere all the time. District officials added that the teachers can't either.
For the rest of the school year, students will go to the restrooms as a class.
