Storm ravaged communities across the state are trying to restore a sense of normalcy and getting the kids back to school is top on the list.The first day of school in Middleburgh on Monday came just two weeks after originally scheduled thanks to thousands of volunteers who poured into the village in the days following Irene.
Blinking yellow lights and the rumbling of a diesel engine, a comforting background as kids reunite with friends on the first day of school in Middleburgh.
“You never would have thought that you would see your school covered in mud,” explained senior Kelly O’Connell.
Three weeks ago Irene came barreling through, causing about $5 million in damage to the Middleburgh Central School.
“It was phenomenal, phenomenal community support and volunteer support to help us get ready to open school today,” explained Superintendent Michele Weaver.
But the remnants of Irene linger - some hallways are blocked off and the floors are torn up.
Without a kitchen, school lunches have to be carted over from the elementary school and in the gym, crews are still working.
But Monday, for the first time in weeks, students in Middleburgh saw the resemblance of a normal day.
“Not thinking about the hurricane and everything and being able to be a kid again and not worry about stuff,” said junior Taryn Ildefonso.
As they figure out schedules and catch up with friends, the kids are finally able to escape the devastation outside the classroom.
“The phone lines were down and there is a 200-foot whole in the front yard of my house,” explained senior Jessica Shaul.
“Our driveway was totally wiped out, we couldn’t get out of the house,” said student Brandon Richards. “I have been raking up rocks and dirt.”
While some students will have to return to hurricane cleanup when they get off the bus Monday afternoon, they’re thankful for the time they have in the classroom.
When asked what it means to be back in school, Shaul paused a moment and then replied, “Normalcy, it’s going to be normal again.”
But what is normal school year without athletics?
For now, fall sports are using neighboring facilities but school officials say the gym will be ready for the first basketball game in November.
Superintendent Weaver says she is still working with teachers’ unions to figure out a plan to keep the kids in school for the required 180 days.
