News Summary
Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners has postponed its opening after significant flood damage from a recent storm. With over $1 million in damages, recovery efforts are underway, but the school lacks flood insurance, making fundraising crucial. Community initiatives, including a lemonade stand and a fundraiser at Culver’s, aim to support the school’s restoration. The school emphasizes its vital role in providing education for students with special needs, who face additional emotional challenges during this crisis. A volunteer cleanup day has been scheduled to aid in recovery efforts.
Hales Corners, Wisconsin – Journeys Lutheran School has announced a significant delay in its opening due to severe flood damage sustained during a historic storm. The first day of school, initially scheduled for August 25, has been postponed, with plans to reopen by September 8 if recovery efforts progress as anticipated.
Severe flooding impacted the school after nearly 7 inches of rain fell in a short period. The flooding caused sewage and rainwater to infiltrate the building, resulting in substantial damage particularly to the basement and ground floor. Essential areas such as the library, classrooms, and the gym suffered extensive water damage, prompting immediate action for repairs.
Damage estimates have reached over $1 million, including approximately $100,000 earmarked specifically for cleaning and restoration efforts. A crucial complication in the recovery is that the school does not carry flood insurance, translating into significant financial burdens. In light of these challenges, a community fundraising initiative has commenced to support the school’s recovery.
Kaitlyn Chapman, a community member, has taken the initiative by organizing a lemonade stand to generate funds to assist in the school’s recovery efforts. In addition, a local fundraiser at Culver’s will contribute 10% of its sales on a designated date to aid the school.
The school’s head, Jenny Stollenwerk, conveyed concern for the families and students impacted by the flooding. She emphasized the school’s vital role as a safe haven for students with special needs, including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning disabilities. Teachers, such as Mark Zimmerman, have shifted their focus from preparing for the upcoming school year to actively participating in the cleanup process.
As the cleanup progresses, the school has identified asbestos within the premises, requiring urgent and specialized mitigation efforts to ensure safety. Recognizing the immediate need for assistance, the school has scheduled a volunteer cleanup day on August 25 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. This event invites community members to help with various tasks vital to the rebuilding process.
The response from the community reflects a strong commitment to supporting Journeys Lutheran School during this crisis. An online fundraising campaign has also been initiated, aimed at covering the extensive costs incurred from the flood damage and aiding in the building’s restoration.
As the timeline for reopening remains uncertain, the school community, comprising 128 students with special needs, anxiously awaits updates. The extended delay not only affects the students’ education but also their emotional well-being, particularly as they rely on the school’s stable environment. Journeys Lutheran School is working diligently to recover and create a safe space for its students to return to as they look forward to resuming their education.
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Additional Resources
- WISN: Flood Damage Delays Start of School in Hales Corners
- Wikipedia: Hales Corners, Wisconsin
- Spectrum News: Journeys Lutheran School Flood Damage
- Google Search: Journeys Lutheran School flooding
- TMJ4: Special Needs School Faces $1 Million in Flood Damage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- JSONline: Riverside High School & Journeys Lutheran School Affected by Flooding
- Google News: Flood Damage Schools
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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