COVENTRY, R.I. (WPRI) — A former Coventry elementary school employee accused of assaulting a student faced a judge Wednesday morning. Petrina Lunardelli, 48, pleaded not guilty to a charge of simple assault and battery. She was released on $1,000 personal recognizance and is due back in court on Feb. 5. Police confirmed the incident took place at Tiogue Elementary School, and court records indicate it happened on Dec. 12. Prosecutors say Lunardelli allegedly dragged a 10-year-old by the feet and the student hit their head. Lunardelli was put on leave at the start of the investigation, but she has since resigned. She was previously listed as a life skills teaching assistant in the school's staff directory. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW