Following a dangerous storm that hit Houston, Texas on Thursday afternoon, the Houston Independent School District (HISD) has released a list of schools that are expected to reopen on Monday, May 20th. These schools have power, fully functional cooling systems, and are ready to serve food to students. However, if your child’s school is not on the list, HISD advises parents to look for more information between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday evening. If a campus is not listed by 9 p.m., it will be closed but will still operate as a meal distribution center for students between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and then again between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The heavy rainfall and 100 mph winds caused significant damage to several schools in the district. Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles personally surveyed the damage at Sinclair Elementary, one of the campuses hit the hardest. The aftermath of the storm left tree limbs, debris, and insulation scattered outside the building’s foundation. Three other schools, Pugh Elementary, Robinson Elementary, and Paige Elementary, also suffered broken windows and downed trees, but officials have confirmed that the buildings remain structurally sound.
As of Saturday, 77 HISD campuses were still without power, and crews have been working tirelessly to restore electricity to these schools. CenterPoint Energy, the utility company responsible for power restoration, reported that as of Sunday morning, 325,546 customers in the area were still without power. However, they assured that restoration efforts are underway and will be completed by Wednesday.
In an effort to support families affected by the severe weather events, HISD announced that they will be holding a free food and supply distribution drive on Monday and Tuesday. Families can visit the Brock Sunrise Center at 1417 Houston Avenue or the Morefield Sunrise Center at 5950 Selinsky Road starting at 10 a.m. On Tuesday, the YDC Sunrise Center will open at 9 a.m. Each center will provide free food and cleaning supplies to 500 families.
These recent storm events have caused significant disruptions to the Houston community, particularly to schools and families. The efforts of HISD to restore power and provide essential resources demonstrate their commitment to supporting students and their families during this challenging time. It is crucial for parents to stay updated with the latest information from the district regarding school closures and available services. By following Lileana Pearson on Facebook, X, and Instagram, parents can receive timely news updates.
In conclusion, the Houston Independent School District is working diligently to address the aftermath of the storm and ensure the safety and well-being of its students. The district’s proactive measures, such as power restoration and food distribution drives, reflect their dedication to supporting the community during times of crisis. As the district continues its recovery efforts, it is important for parents to stay informed and take advantage of the resources provided to them.
