Dear Christ School Community:
The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and their families on campus are our top priority after the effects of Hurricane Helene. Campus remains without power and essentially no call or data reception. Scores of trees and power lines are down. Our Greenies are in good spirits. Stolz Hall is on a generator and is well-stocked. Teachers are enjoying games and activities with the boys, and they with each other.
We had a school meeting today in St. Joseph’s Chapel at 11:30 a.m. where we shared updates. At that meeting, we let the students know that IF their families can arrive safely and IF they wish, families may pick up their sons to weather Helene’s aftermath at home.
We are caring for all students. We understand families may wish to be together at this time. Equally, some families have asked about taking friends and international students home with them. We are grateful for the generosity. We will grant permission IF we have permission from each student’s parent. Should a family take with them another student, they should potentially prepare to host them for an extended period of time.
We have learned that Buncombe County has closed schools for Monday (Sept. 30) and Tuesday (Oct. 1). We take that as a sign that Buncombe County does not believe power and safe transportation will be restored in this time. It is highly unlikely that we will hold classes on Monday or into early next week. We will be in touch with you as best we can with our limited connectivity as we learn more and make additional decisions on school operations.
We intend to position a staff member at the Shell Station at the juncture of Christ School Road and Pensacola. We will also position a staff member at the Christ School gate. We will release students to their parents IF they can safely make it to campus. Parents MUST check out with an adult on duty on campus – Dorm Parent, Mr. Hyche, Mr. Colberg, our AOD, or the Christ School staff member at the Shell Station or the front gate.
Thank you for the love, care, and outpouring of support we are receiving at this unprecedented time for our region. We are proud of our Greenies as they have bonded together, taken care of one another, and are rebuilding campus.
We will keep you posted as best we can.
Sean K. Jenkins
Head of School