Schools Open Wednesday, But Not Willard

With the exception of Willard Elementary School, Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said all schools will be open on Wednesday after .

Power returned to RHS at about 7 p.m. Tuesday, to the groan of many in the stands watching the RHS boys soccer team.

"Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 2^nd, only Willard School will be closed because electrical power has not been restored to that building. All other district schools will be open," Fishbein said in an email sent to parents. "All buses will operate on a normal schedule." 

Fishbein asked that parents and students remember that downed power lines are still present and there is much debris around all schools.

"Please be careful walking on sidewalks and driving to school," he said in the message. "Many people are still without power, so please let your neighbors know about this message. Thank you in advance for your understanding during this difficult situation."

When the announcement was made, high school students were understandably disappointed.

"I would like for no school tomorrow," laughed RHS student Sasha after the announcement was made. "I know many kids who are out of power and there are still lines down. But we've already missed two days, so while I'd rather not, I understand it."

Given the terrain and all the lines down, she said it'll be challenging getting to the high school and being picked up.

Other students cited other challenges presented by the storm.

The outages have made it nearly impossible to do school work.

"I haven't been able to do any of my papers," said high school student Lauren prior to the announcement. "No way to do them because I haven't had the internet or power at my house." 

Like her friends Ashley and Caroline, Lauren's had no power but she's made due by bumming around the village, visiting friends and going to restaurants during her two-day off period.

"It's so much worse than Irene," she added.