Students Prepare to Return to Classrooms in Asheville Following Hurricane Disruptions

Students Set to Return to School in Asheville After Hurricane Disruptions

In the beautiful city of Asheville, N.C., excitement is in the air as both Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools are gearing up to welcome students back to the classrooms. After the disruptions caused by the recent hurricane, district officials have been hard at work creating a solid plan to ensure students can return to school safely and effectively.

Timeline for Students’ Return

In a recent announcement, district officials shared that the Board of Education gave a thumbs up to the reopening plan on Friday. Teachers and staff members, which include bus drivers, Teacher Support Associates, and the nutrition team, will have Return to Work days on Wednesday, October 23, and Thursday, October 24.

The first day back for students is set for Friday, October 25. However, it’s worth noting that this day and the days from October 28 to November 1 will have a two-hour delay. This timing isn’t just for fun – it’s carefully considered to allow the transportation team to adjust to new bus routes while ensuring safety in the early morning hours. Some of these reroutes are necessary due to damaged roads and washed-out bridges that need to be navigated carefully.

Changes to the School Calendar

There are a few changes to the school calendar as well. For instance, October 31 will not be an early dismissal day anymore because of the two-hour delay. Additionally, the first semester has been extended to January 24, 2025, giving students a little extra time before the semester ends.

Restoring Essential Services

It’s been a challenging time for everyone involved. The district has been actively working to restore essential services. As of now, all 45 schools in the district have had their non-potable water service, power, and internet restored. They’ve also started delivering drinking water for students and staff across all campuses, ensuring everyone has access to clean and safe water upon their return.

The maintenance team is wrapping up their repair and restoration tasks, while technology teams are busy reconnecting security and communication systems, making sure everything is in order for the students’ return. Additionally, there’s a focus on the emotional wellbeing of both students and staff; the Student Services team is actively preparing to support everyone’s mental health during this transition. It’s reassuring to note that additional counselors from neighboring school systems will also lend their support during this important time.

Collaboration Between School Districts

In the spirit of community, both Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools, along with seven charter schools, have come together to develop a plan for distributing drinking water to all public schools. This is a commendable effort to ensure that regardless of where students attend, they all have access to necessary water resources as they return to a regular instructional day.

As the days draw closer for the students to return to school, Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman from Asheville City Schools expressed confidence that all schools would be ready by Monday, October 28. This collaboration and hopeful spirit within the community are vital as families prepare for this transition back to a sense of normalcy.

Final Thoughts

Although the past weeks have posed many hurdles, the determination of the school officials, teachers, and community members shines through. As everyone comes together to support students, it’s clear that the message is loud and clear: “Together We Rise!” If parents or guardians have any questions or concerns, they are encouraged to reach out directly to their school’s principal. With strength and grace, Asheville is ready to welcome its students back into the warm embrace of their schools.