Since the devastating damage from Tropical Storm Fred we have received many messages about reopening schools.  The messages have come mainly in the form of emails and telephone calls.  For most who did not have significant damage, starting back to school is a simpler decision.

For people in our most devastated areas, it is a very different situation.  Your world has been turned upside down.  You have so many things to think about and work on right now.  I have spoken or emailed with many of you.  I can’t imagine what you are going through.  A few of you have let it be known that you want to be back in school.  However, many of you have said it is too soon.  You are still working on your living situation.  You are concerned that your children will fall behind.  You literally can’t get to a bus stop.  You don’t have transportation or you need to use your vehicle for something other than getting to school or a bus stop.

Those of us who are not in your situation will never fully understand what you are going through.  However, we want you to know we have heard the things that are concerning you.  I mentioned some of them earlier, and have heard many more.   There is certainly not a one size fits all solution.  We want to support people who want to come, and are able to attend, school.

If attending school is not a possibility, right now, for any reason, please know that we are going to go above and beyond to help you.  We will excuse absences, waive missed days related to promotion, provide supplies and materials and provide additional tutorial help if it is needed.  We know many of you want and need to start school at different times.  We will support your children based on their individual academic or social-emotional needs.

A lot of people care about you and are working to help you.  I want you to know that the people at your schools know you and love you.  They are going to support you if you can attend on Monday or if it is a long time before you can attend.  We are committed to being there for you whenever you can attend school.

We want you to know that school is ready for you when you are ready for school.  We want to help, if you haven’t already done so, please reach out to your school.  Let them know about your situation.  They can help you get access to some things that might be helpful.

Bill Nolte, Superintendent