Asheville Schools Prepare to Reopen Amid Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

Asheville Schools Begin Reopening After Hurricane Helene

As Asheville, North Carolina, moves forward from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, the local school district has announced its plans to reopen classrooms, marking a significant step toward recovery. It’s been a tough month for this community, but a sense of hope is starting to emerge.

A Shaky Transition Back to Normalcy

Starting Monday, students from the Asheville City Schools district will begin returning to school under a modified schedule. This comes after Buncombe County schools resumed classes a few days earlier, on Friday. It’s clear that both districts are navigating the road to recovery with caution, learning from previous experiences.

“We learned from Covid that we can’t just jump back in like everything’s normal,” shared Asheville City Schools Superintendent Maggie Fehrman. She explained that they have developed a series of new lessons focusing on mental health, allowing students to openly discuss their feelings and share experiences regarding the storm.

The Impact of the Storm

Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina as a tropical storm just about a month ago, unleashing catastrophic rainfall and causing massive flooding. The National Weather Service described it as a once-in-a-1,000-year event, with some areas experiencing up to 30 inches of rain in just three days. The results were heartbreaking—42 lives were lost in Buncombe County, and many families are still looking for their loved ones.

Luckily, none of Asheville’s schools sustained physical damage, and they have been able to maintain services like electricity, internet, and running water. However, the water supply is still unsafe for drinking, prompting the school district to partner with local aid organizations to deliver clean water to students and staff.

Community Support for Students and Families

Despite some facilities being up and running, Superintendent Fehrman acknowledged that many students are still feeling the heavy weight of what happened. “We have several students that lost family members. We have staff members who lost family members,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of community in such challenging times. In fact, about 15 to 20 families are currently relying on the district’s resource center to meet basic needs.

The Buncombe County Schools district also announced that utilities have been restored to all 45 schools, and they have started delivering safe drinking water to ensure the health and well-being of students and staff. They are working hard to make sure that those return plans are carefully crafted and considerate of the community’s needs.

Diverse Opinions on Returning to School

Not everyone agrees on the timing of this reopening. Parents like Candace Duke, who has three children in the local schools, expressed concerns. “Yeah, school’s important. They need to be in school, but I feel like they’re rushing into things,” she shared, highlighting the worries of many parents who are still processing the aftermath of the storm.

However, some see it differently. Robby Parker, a teacher at North Buncombe High School, found the return to school uplifting. “It was great to see all the students and staff again, and the stories that were shared were incredibly powerful. The healing continues,” he noted in a recent Facebook post.

Focus on Emotional Well-Being

The emphasis on emotional well-being is a crucial part of the reopening strategy. The school district’s Student Services team has been working tirelessly to prepare for the return of students, focusing on their emotional health and resilience. “Thank you again for your grace and strength,” an announcement stated, as they continue to rally support for their community.

As Asheville continues to recover, the community is slowly getting back on its feet, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead, armed with hope and determination.