Asheville Families Face Challenges Post-Hurricane Helene
As the beautiful city of Asheville comes to grips with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, families are banding together and leaning on each other for support. It’s been a tough few days for many in the community, as parents, students, and educators navigate an unsettling new normal.
School Shutdowns and Learning Loss
Since the storm hit, students have been out of school, and many families are left wondering about their educational plans. Maria Canales, a parent in Asheville City Schools, reflects on the state of her household. “I started to think about their education, and if I have enough food and water for them,” she said. With homework assignments on hold for now, parents are finding creative ways to keep their children engaged. “We have a few books at home. So, we’re reading those. We also have some books from the library. We’re reading those, too. That’s helping her at least with her reading,” Maria added.
Although schools had structural integrity remaining despite the storm, the situation remains complicated. Both Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools reported that their buildings sustained minimal damage. However, with the ongoing water crisis and power outages, they are not ready to welcome students back into the classroom just yet.
Utility Challenges Remain
“The biggest issue is water,” said Dr. Rob Jackson, the Buncombe County Schools Superintendent, highlighting the primary obstacle that has halted recovery and school operations. Many schools are still without electricity, which makes reopening a challenge. “We will not open until both of those utilities return,” he confirmed.
Even though the schools stand strong, they are currently being repurposed for much-needed services. Dr. Fehrman noted, “We are housing one of the rescue teams and all of their staff. They’re using this as a hub for communication and a place to sleep.” This has become the new reality, with schools becoming makeshift shelters for linemen from Duke Energy, law enforcement, and other emergency personnel.
Support for Students and Families
Despite these difficulties, school officials are stepping up to provide guidance and resources to families facing the challenges of prolonged learning loss. “One great way to keep our students learning when they don’t have access to the internet or our great teachers is to read,” Dr. Jackson mentioned. The schools are working to support families in creative ways, ensuring that children continue learning at home with available resources.
Dr. Jackson emphasized the importance of communication during this transitional phase. “We are going to do a great job of communicating when we’re ready to reopen,” he assured. He also made it clear that families who left the area would be welcomed back without delay once it’s time to resume classes. “If a family left and came back, we will immediately re-enroll them and get them right to work. If [a student] shows up on day one or day 179 with one day of school left, we want them here,” he added passionately.
A Community Comes Together
In the heart of all these challenges, the Asheville community is shining brightly with resilience and teamwork. Parents are encouraged to rely on one another, share resources, and keep spirits high. Although the power and water issues bring uncertainty, families are drawing strength from their connections and focusing on essential daily living tips.
For now, with assistance from local authorities and a caring community, residents are resilient and resourceful. Asheville is committed to supporting its families during this recovery phase, and families will be informed of any updates regarding school openings as they happen. Everyone is hoping that soon enough, the children can return to their classrooms, where laughter and learning await.
