Last Updated on October 18, 2024 4:30 pm
Dear Ashe County Families:
Over the past several weeks, our community has faced many challenges following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. In response, our schools became vital hubs—providing emergency shelter, distributing supplies, offering hot meals, and creating spaces of comfort and support. These efforts included laundry services, showers, and shared meals, with neighbors coming together to help each other recover and rebuild.
While recovery efforts are still ongoing, we have begun the transition to reopen schools. Our elementary schools have used generous donations to directly support families most impacted by the storm, focusing on individual needs and broader community well-being. This week, we started consolidating supplies into one location to better assist families and make space for students to return to classrooms and gymnasiums. Additionally, the emergency shelter at the high school successfully relocated residents to more sustainable housing.
Transportation and New Bus Routes
Our transportation team is working closely with the NCDOT to ensure students can safely return to school. Bus drivers and administrators have surveyed roads to identify community stops and safe turn-around points. Due to road conditions, over 200 students will need new bus stops, and 23 out of 31 bus routes will change. Over the next week, we will finalize new routes, adjust timing, and communicate these changes with families.
Emergency Childcare Camps
Emergency childcare camps at Westwood Elementary and Mountain View Elementary Schools will operate through the end of business on Friday, October 25th. The normal after-school care will resume on Tuesday, October 29th.
School Reopening Timeline
Below is the plan for the coming weeks:
Monday, October 21 – Tuesday, October 22: No school for teachers and staff (12 months and essential personnel report only)
Wednesday, October 23 – Monday, October 28: Teacher workdays
Tuesday, October 29: Students Return (2-hour delay; staff report at regular time)
School will operate on a 2-hour delay from Tuesday, October 29 through Friday, November 1 (staff report at regular time)
Calendar Adjustments
We know many of you have questions about how the calendar will be adjusted for the remainder of the year. While winter weather will influence further changes, here’s what we know so far:
The state has forgiven 20 instructional days lost due to Hurricane Helene.
Thursday, January 2 – Annual Leave Day
Friday, January 3 – Required teacher PD workday
Monday, January 6 – Regular student day
Friday, January 31 – Required teacher workday (subject to change based on snow)
Friday, February 14 – Regular student day
Thursday, March 13 & Friday, March 14 – Regular student days
Spring Break Changes: April 23, 24, and 25 will now be regular school days
Please note: This calendar is not set in stone. Additional changes to the calendar may be necessary due to inclement weather.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and support as we navigate the challenges caused by Hurricane Helene. We remain committed to supporting our students, staff, and families throughout this recovery.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eisa M. Cox
Superintendent
Ashe County Schools
