Beaufort, SC, August 17, 2025
News Summary
A mother from Beaufort, SC, questions the safety protocols at Shanklin Elementary after her non-verbal autistic daughter suffered a severe finger injury on the first day of school. Lenisha Manigo’s daughter, Jayla, was treated for eight hours at a local hospital following the incident, raising alarms about the supervision and safety of students with special needs at the school. The school’s response, claiming the injury was self-inflicted, has led to further confusion and concern for Manigo regarding her daughter’s well-being.
Beaufort, SC – A mother is questioning the safety protocols at a local elementary school after her 7-year-old non-verbal autistic daughter was injured on the first day of the school year. Lenisha Manigo is seeking answers regarding the incident that left her daughter, Jayla Frazier, with a severe injury to her finger.
The incident occurred on August 6, 2023, when Manigo received an urgent call from the nurse at Shanklin Elementary School, requesting her to pick up Jayla due to an injury. Upon arriving at the school, Manigo found her daughter with blood on the floor and her clothing, and there was no bandage present on her injured finger. The school staff members claimed that Jayla had injured herself by slamming her finger in a door.
Concerned for her daughter’s well-being, Manigo took Jayla to a local hospital, where she underwent treatment for eight hours, eventually requiring anesthesia to repair the injury to her middle finger on her right hand. This traumatic experience is particularly troubling given that Jayla is non-verbal and unable to communicate her side of the story.
Following the incident, Manigo attempted to meet with the school principal and a student resource officer to seek clarification about the circumstances surrounding the injury, as well as to request a police report. The school’s account of events stated that the injury was self-inflicted while staff were changing Jayla, creating further confusion for Manigo.
Jayla has been enrolled in the special education program at Shanklin Elementary since she was in Pre-Kindergarten. Although this incident marks the most severe injury she has sustained at school, it is not the first injury reported. Manigo expressed her concerns about the frequency of injuries Jayla has experienced at school, particularly in contrast to her lack of injuries at home or in other environments.
Initially, the principal appeared willing to assist Manigo, but as her inquiries continued, the principal became uncooperative. After several days, Manigo was informed that the incident had been referred to the school district’s legal team for review.
The Beaufort County School District has acknowledged awareness of the situation but stated that they cannot comment further due to HIPAA regulations, which protect patient privacy. Manigo has expressed grave concerns about sending Jayla back to school, fearing for her daughter’s safety and the level of supervision she would receive in the classroom.
Moreover, Manigo argued that school staff should have contacted Beaufort County Emergency Services immediately following the injury, asserting that the response from the school was insufficient. This incident has sparked serious questions about the proper monitoring of students like Jayla and whether negligence may have contributed to her injury.
As the situation unfolds, the safety and well-being of students with special needs remain a pressing concern for parents and the community.
FAQ
What happened to Jayla Frazier at Shanklin Elementary School?
Jayla sustained a severe finger injury on the first day of school, allegedly by slamming her finger in a door. She was later hospitalized for treatment.
What actions did the mother, Lenisha Manigo, take following the incident?
Manigo sought to meet with school officials for clarification and requested a police report regarding the incident.
What is the school’s response to the incident?
The school claimed that the injury was self-inflicted while staff members were changing Jayla, and they have referred the incident to the school district’s legal team.
What is Lenisha Manigo’s concern regarding her daughter’s safety?
Manigo is concerned about sending Jayla back to school due to fears for her safety, especially regarding the level of supervision provided.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Injury Date | August 6, 2023 |
| Injured Student | Jayla Frazier, 7 years old, non-verbal autistic |
| Location | Shanklin Elementary School |
| Injury Description | Severe injury to middle finger |
| Hospitalization Duration | 8 hours |
| Mother’s Concerns | Safety and supervision at school |
| School’s Account | Claimed injury was self-inflicted |
| Follow-Up Actions | Referral to legal team, request for police report |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Beaufort Mother Wants Answers
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Island Packet: Reporting on Education
- Google Search: School Safety Protocols
- Your Island News: Fire at Auldbrass
- Google Scholar: Children Injuries at School
- Your Island News: Girl Dead Following Burton Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational Psychology
- Your Island News: Vehicle Rollover Incident
- Google News: School Injury Cases
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
