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Alvin ISD finds temporary solution for tornado-damaged elementary school
Students and teachers prepare to return to class in a temporary location.
ALVIN, Texas — Walt Disney Elementary School students and teachers are supposed to return to class next Tuesday, but it won’t be at their actual school.
Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin ISD suffered major damage in Saturday’s tornado outbreak. The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said at least 40 structures were impacted by the tornado, including at least 30 homes. The other impacted structures were businesses, including a daycare, and Walt Disney.
The Alvin ISD Education Foundation, a nonprofit supporting teachers in the district, is hosting a fundraiser to help the teachers impacted by the storm.
“You have the power to make a meaningful impact by supporting our educators as they recover from the devastating tornado damage,” the foundation said in a Facebook post. “Walt Disney Elementary suffered devastating damage and has been deemed a total loss due to [Saturday’s] tornado.”
Fortunately, they said no one was on campus at the time of the storm but some teachers suffered losses.
“Many of our educators have lost individual teaching materials that they’ve lovingly gathered over the years to inspire and educate their students,” the foundation said.
District officials said there are just over 500 students (grades 3-5) at Walt Disney.
The district said students and teachers would be put up in an old building when school goes back into session. Crews spent the beginning of the week getting it ready — setting up technology and making sure the building maintenance was up to par. District officials said a letter would be sent to parents to let them know about the plans.
Staff members will return on Monday, Jan. 6, while students will be back in class on Tuesday, Jan. 7, the district said.
They said a lot of students walk to class, so they’re working on transportation routes.
Support is also pouring in from neighboring school districts, like Pearland ISD
“Our hearts are with our friends and neighbors in the Alvin ISD community,” the district said in a statement. “We’re thinking of everyone and sending our strength and support during this difficult time.”
Click here for information on how to donate.