Asheville City Schools Welcome Back Students After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, N.C. – The halls of Asheville City Schools echoed with a renewed energy as students returned to class on the morning of Monday, October 28, marking just over a month since Hurricane Helene battered the area. With a mix of excitement and somber reflection, the first day back in the classroom brought a range of emotions for both students and teachers.
A Day of Mixed Emotions
Superintendent Maggie Fehrman shared insights into the atmosphere on that special day. “There’s been joy, students getting back into the building, seeing their teachers lots of happiness. Then as we started talking with our students, there’s some sadness,” she explained. Many children grappled with feelings of loss, particularly those who have lost family members or whose homes have suffered damage.
Understanding the significance of a supportive community during this tough time, Fehrman emphasized the school’s role in providing a safe environment for students to process their experiences. “It’s very hard for some of our students right now, and returning to school can be a comforting routine amidst the chaos,” she added.
Facing Challenges with Determination
While the **return to school** was a significant step forward, challenges lurked just beneath the surface. One of the biggest barriers to bringing students back was access to clean water. Originally, the school system calculated that providing every student with at least a liter of water for a four-hour day would require a staggering 30 pallets of bottled water alone for Asheville High School.
Fortunately, a partnership was formed with a nonprofit organization called Water Mission, which specializes in bringing water resources to areas in distress. Thanks to this collaboration, the schools implemented four water filtration systems across various campuses, including Asheville High School, Asheville Middle School, and both Isaac Dickson and Claxton Elementary Schools.
Stay Hydrated, Stay Safe
With the new filtration systems, the schools can now process an impressive 10,000 gallons of water a day. Assistant Principal Tiger Norman explained how this system works: “This will ensure that our students have plenty of fresh water throughout the day, and it’ll be available for as long as we need it.”
Initially, the district had to rely on bottled water to kickstart operations for a modified four-hour school day on Monday. However, Norman assured parents and students that the filtration system would be operational by Wednesday, October 30, allowing the schools to revert to their regular schedules.
Modified Schedule Ahead
For Tuesday, October 29, the district planned to continue with a modified schedule – elementary schools were set to run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while secondary schools operated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. By Wednesday, all schools are expected to resume their normal hours, resuming after-school programs and sports activities.
Additionally, Asheville City Schools continues to operate a resource center at 90 Montford Avenue. The center serves as a hub for supply distributions and donations, open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., where community members can contribute essential items for those affected by the hurricane. Key items still needed include washcloths, towels, and basic clean-up supplies.
Community Spirit Shines
The overarching spirit within the Asheville community remains strong and resilient. As students dive back into their studies, they are not just returning to academics but also to a community filled with support and compassion. The school district’s efforts signify a step toward healing as they work together to rebuild and move forward.
