First day smooth for displaced students
‘Everything’s been running smoothly’ with kids in different schools for now.
Students from Reid Elementary started back in-person after a structural problem at their school forced them into other buildings.
Students from Reid Elementary School in the Clark-Shawnee Local School District started back in-person on Monday after they were displaced following a structural problem in the library of the school.
Students are housed in different schools for the time being as the district will not be “resuming operations in the building” at Reid this year, according to Superintendent Brian Kuhn. Students in K-1 grade are at Kindergarten Village, students in 2-4 grades are at Rockway and students in 5-6 grade are at Possum.
“Everything’s been running smoothly today as
we brought our Reid students back to in-person learning,” Kuhn said. “There are always some challenges with new operations and procedures, but we’ve had ample support from staff and community organizations, including the sheriff ’s office, to help everything go well.”
Students have the same teachers, school transportation will continue for bus riders and food service will still be provided.
A teacher at Kindergarten Village said the first day went “really well.”
“It’s going great. The kids have transitioned nicely,” said kindergarten teacher Cheri Mayfield. “They came in ready to go, ready to learn again.”
Mayfield said students were only a little worried at first, but adjusted quickly.
“When they first walked in, they were a little apprehensive but not much. They were pretty excited. As soon as they hit the room and
saw all of their things and everything was back, and it kind of looked the same even though it was a different room, they were fine with it,” she said.
The students seemed happy and exited to see each other again, Mayfield said.
“Seeing their friends faces, they just lit up... and when they pulled up on the bus they were all waving and happy to see us,” she said. “I think it’s gone really well.
I think it’s been very smooth and I think it’ll work out.”
Clark-Shawnee school staff were in the elementary buildings the past few weeks to help clean up and set up at the schools for the move.
“The process was well thought-out and we were able to staff it adequately. It was a challenge to move 21 classrooms along with other staff over just two weeks, but the staff did a great job and everything came together,”
Kuhn said. “We are grateful to be able to support students with services including tutoring, counseling, interventions, and specialists in all locations.”
Kuhn said the district will use the rest of the school year to get the remaining items out of the Reid building.
The district’s new elementary building is set to open in the fall for preschool through sixth grades.
A significant structural problem with the building’s roof was discovered on Feb. 24. Staff discovered fallen ceiling tiles and a structural issue of a bowing wooden beam in the school library, according to Kuhn.
Kuhn said the district has been working with the structural engineer, the county building department and the construction contractor, and they are “not going to be back in school at Reid this school year.”
Contact this reporter at 937610-7310 or email brooke. spurlock@coxinc.com.