Displaced By Maria: Some Of Puerto Rico's Hurricane Victims Might Move To RI

NEWPORT, RI—Displaced by Hurricane Maria, some families may leave Puerto Rico for Rhode Island, according to the state Department of Education. But so far, it's mainly the Providence schools which have received requests for information about enrolling new students.

According to Meg Geoghegan, Rhode Island families are taking in relatives who have been impacted by the hurricane. They've been calling the Providence school department for information.

On Friday, the Providence Journal and other news sources reported the superintendent expects an influx of children from the hurricane. But other superintendents are not receiving similar requests, as yet. Newport's Schools Supt. Colleen Burns Jermain said Friday she had not received any requests.

"Anecdotally, we’ve heard primarily from Providence," Geoghegan said. "RIDE hasn’t reached out to Puerto Rico, but we shared this guidance in today’s Field Memo:

"Following multiple catastrophic weather events, we have begun to receive questions from districts regarding the potential arrival of displaced students and families who are seeking refuge in Rhode Island.

"We must ensure that any student displaced by disaster has access to school and other necessary support services. Our state is home to a sizeable Puerto Rican community, in particular, and Rhode Island families may be called upon to help care for and support relatives arriving here in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. Our schools must likewise be ready to support these students to provide stability and ensure minimal disruption to their education.

"To expedite the enrollment process, families that expect to host displaced children and have questions on enrollment should contact their home district. Superintendents and school leaders with questions can contact RIDE. We will continue to provide guidance as it becomes available. The National Center for Homeless Education has additional resources and guidance that can assist schools and districts in providing services and support to students who have been displaced by disasters and may classify as “unaccompanied homeless youth.”

Lead photo credit: Héctor Alejandro Santiago via AP