Schools in Asheville, North Carolina, Prepare to Reopen After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, North Carolina, is gearing up for the reopening of its schools more than a month after Hurricane Helene caused devastating flooding in the region. The city’s schools have been closed since the storm struck, and officials are emphasizing that teachers will not simply resume their academic lessons; they will also provide a supportive environment for students to discuss the traumatic impact of the hurricane on their lives.
Although all students and staff have been accounted for, many in the community are grieving the loss of life, and some have lost their homes. The aftermath of the hurricane has left many residents without electricity or running water for nearly three weeks. Kim Dechant, chief of staff for Asheville City Schools, highlighted the importance of addressing the emotional needs of students before diving back into academic work. “We’re not going to be able to just jump right into academics,” she explained, stressing the need to help students process their trauma.
The district aims to welcome back approximately 3,900 students on October 28, a little over a month after the floodwaters receded. Unfortunately, virtual learning has not been a feasible option during the closure due to unreliable internet connectivity in the area. To facilitate the reopening, school officials are making significant efforts, including drilling a well at one elementary school to ensure that students will have access to flushable toilets upon their return. The city has also restored running water for toilets and handwashing in other district schools.
In the interim, the district has implemented various initiatives to assist the community. These include providing grab-and-go lunches and breakfasts for students daily and organizing donations of essential items such as shampoo, batteries, headlamps, and blankets as temperatures begin to drop. Additionally, the schools have set up a temporary classroom that offers optional hands-on learning activities for a few hours each day. This initiative allows students from kindergarten through 12th grade to engage in arts and crafts, board games, and reconnect with their peers.
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During one recent session in the temporary classroom, Superintendent Maggie Fehrman noted the emotional range among students. “There were a lot of hugs, a lot of tears, but very quickly turned into joy and just happy to be together,” she observed. On another occasion, students were seen enjoying activities like playing with slime, outdoor games, and participating in music and drama.
Ten-year-old Trenton Williams expressed his relief at being reunited with friends, saying, “It’s been amazing to see my friends.” His sister, 12-year-old Rosalyn, echoed his sentiments, adding, “It’s been good to see classrooms again and good to hang out with friends and teachers and get back to almost normal.”
Despite the optimism surrounding the reopening, school officials recognize that challenges will persist beyond the first day back in the classroom. Many parents have lost their businesses, particularly in Asheville’s renowned River Arts District, which has been significantly impacted by the flooding. The closures have affected the city’s sales tax revenue, which is vital for funding local schools. Moreover, school bus routes will require modifications due to areas still being impassable.
The extended school closure has raised concerns about potential learning loss among students. Math teacher Elzy Lindsey articulated the anxiety teachers feel regarding this issue, noting that his students had already faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Any learning loss troubles teachers,” he said, stressing the additional hurdles posed by the storm’s aftermath.
Logistical challenges also remain, such as securing bottled water for every student, as the region is still under a boil-water advisory. However, Dechant expressed determination to proceed with the reopening plan. “We are full steam ahead because we know our kids need to be in school with teachers,” she asserted. “They need to have a safe space.”
As Asheville prepares to welcome its students back, the focus remains on both academic recovery and emotional support in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s impact.
