Port Arthur schools carrying charity into 2018
Published 6:53 pm Wednesday, January 3, 2018
By Lorenzo Salinas
With the new year comes a return of students, staff and faculty to the Port Arthur Independent School District following Christmas break.
The district found itself in a particularly vulnerable position after Tropical Storm Harvey brought unprecedented rainfall to the area that flooded many residents’ homes and left many without food or basic amenities. However, through donation efforts, community-building and the resiliency of its members, PAISD not only managed to start the school year but to help several students and faculty make the transition back to school and a semblance of normalcy.
Tyrrell Elementary School principal Lisa Chambers said that same charitable spirit carries over to its campus and into the new year.
“For Christmas, we made sure our children were sent home well-accounted for,” she said. “We made sure that families knew where they could find help. If they needed Christmas gifts, food … we made sure they were prepared for.”
Chambers said Tyrrell and the district would identify several families and students in need of financial assistance or donations and provide them for those in need. In particular, Chambers praised the efforts of her school faculty and staff who would collect money and get donations for those most affected. They would even shop during the holidays to bring something special to children and their families.
The staff at Tyrrell would continue to identify and assist where appropriate when students return after holiday break. In addition, Chambers hoped to boost the morale of the children as well by providing a festive air.
“We’re going to welcome them back with song and occasion tomorrow,” she said. “We want to make sure the environment is welcoming. We want them to see excitement and joy.”
As part of the recovery process, Tyrrell students will be able to share their holiday stories when they come back. Chambers explained this action helped students cope when they gave stories of what their lives were like before they departed for holidays. She hoped this time students would have accounts of more “joyful times” to share after the break.
“This entire year, we keep preparing to meet needs because we know it’s not over,” Chambers said. “It’s getting comfortable. It’s getting better but there are families who are still working toward it everyday.”
Faculty members would take time from their schedules before or after school hours to drive affected families for groceries, to get another vehicle or simply “here or there.” This would be in addition to the donations the school received for necessary items like socks and underwear.
“It has been a true community effort and we’ve enjoyed it,” Chambers said. “Everyone should feel needed and we have others who want to give — and we’re still doing that and will continue to do it for the rest of the school year.”
As for attendance after the holiday break, Chambers remained hopeful that more students would return, citing a nearly 900-student attendance during the fall semester.
“Usually when we come back in January, we have more students and staff return,” she said. “We’re expecting this week and next week to get more of our children back.”
Like the rest of the district, Tyrrell will be reinstating the uniform dress code for grades pre-K through 8.
“We started putting out correspondence to parents through Facebook, reminding them through the phone system that it starts all over again.”
Chambers made sure to thank the superintendent and PAISD board for giving both students and schools the relaxed dress code immediately following Harvey and until the new year.
In a written statement, PAISD superintendent Mark Porterie said the district is excited to welcome back staff and students to the 2018 year.
“The first half of the school year has been focused on meeting the challenges left by Hurricane Harvey. We are proud of the way our staff, students and community have handled the education of our students,” Porterie said.
“The impact of Harvey has confirmed that you can meet any challenge if you have the ability to problem solve and communicate with others. The Port Arthur Independent School District has done well at serving its staff, students and community.”
Porterie expressed optimism on ending the school year on a “high note.”
“The challenges that our community has faced have made us stronger and more aware of what is actually important — family and commitment,” he said.
