As you may have heard, we’re hosting hundreds from two local public schools–Mintonye Elementary School and Southwestern Middle School. They will arrive on Monday to begin classes, and so right at this moment, there is A LOT of logistical activity happening. I’m inviting you, if you’re in the Lafayette area and can help, to join us here today to help in the transition.
Below you’ll see the press release sent out by Tippencanoe School Corporation on Monday night. Thanks to their excellent administration and staff, along with the focus and determination of our own staff and congregation, we’ve been moving along fine so far. We could use your help today to help us in moving things, emptying closets, re-positioning furniture and equipment.
Here’s the press release from the other day:
TSC to use First Assembly Community Ministries and Wea Ridge Middle School to house students displaced by storm
LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Tippecanoe School Corporation has developed a contingency plan for about 950 students who must be relocated until Southwestern Middle School and Mintonye Elementary School can be repaired. The district will use space available at First Assembly Community Ministries at 108 Beck Lane to temporarily house students in grades K-6. Students in seventh and eighth will attend classes at Wea Ridge Middle School, 4410 South, 150 East, Lafayette.
Much of First Assembly Community Ministries’ 88,000 square feet of space can be configured for classrooms and offices. Senior Pastor Robby Bradford says, “First Assembly has always been eager to serve Tippecanoe County and the next generation. We look forward to this temporary arrangement as a way to help the many children and families impacted by this unexpected turn of events.”
Southwestern Middle School and Mintonye Elementary Schools sustained heavy damage from Sunday’s storms. Initial estimates indicate it could be six months to one year before students can return to those buildings.
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support in the community,” says TSC Superintendent Scott Hanback, PhD. “This is an ideal location that will allow us to keep many of our students together in one place.”
Classes are canceled tomorrow for students at Southwestern Middle and Mintonye Elementary Schools. All other schools will be in session. Teachers and staff will be meeting at our administrative building to prepare students to begin classes at those locations Monday. In the interim, administrators and teachers are exploring alternative ways to minimize the loss of instruction.
