SWANSBORO, N.C. -- It was a very exciting morning for 63 teachers at Swansboro High School returning back to work after missing 50 days of class because of Florence.
- The teachers also received a $50 gift card for supplies
- Onslow County Schools sustained an estimated $125 million in damages
- While teachers were waiting on repairs, they were working with students
The planning day began with a breakfast and a prayer. There was even a surprise from an Onslow County School employee and wife of the mayor.
“What we have done is purchase and had donated a $50 gift card for you to use in your classroom, and all of you will get one, and all of you will get one today,” said Jennifer Davis who revealed the surprise.
The community raised $13,000 in two weeks so that each and every teacher in all Swansboro Schools could receive a $ 50 gift card. The 63 teachers at the high school were touched by the kind gesture.
“It just helps us get supplies and things for our kids, and it helps us remember that we are appreciated in our community. So, it feels really good,” Martha Kelly, a math teacher, said.
She says while they were waiting on repairs, many teachers have been working with students, where they can.
“We have been setting up pop up learning sites, and what that means is setting up places around the community, where we can tutor our students, in math science, English,” says Kelley.
Onslow County Schools sustained an estimated $125 million in damages and opened six more schools Thursday with the remaining scheduled to open Monday.
The state superintendent announced Thursday that an additional $35 million will go to Florence-ravaged school districts. Onslow County School District is the biggest recipient of the monies in the state, slated to receive a total of $14.5 million for repairs.