Striving for normalcy in the midst of disaster at Dewey

Hurricane Sandy unleashed some of her fury on John Dewey High School.

A fire erupted in the transformer room, knocking out electricity, said David Pena, deputy press secretary for the Department of Education. The School Construction Authority (SCA)provided the building with a generator and temporary boiler so students could go back to class when school resumed on November 5.

Teachers at Dewey said that the faculty, staff and student body are making the best of an unfortunate situation.

“We [lose] power several times throughout the day, but it [comes] back,” said Dave Personett, a social studies teacher, adding that shades remain open so a maximum amount of light can enter the classrooms.

“The principal stepped it up. I am impressed with the staff,” Personett said. “I am proud to say I work here in this crisis. The administration made it feel like it was under control.”

Michael Clements, a physics teacher for juniors and seniors, added that the elevator was out of service.

“Students are fairly understanding and don’t seem troubled,” he said. “We are accommodating by shutting off lights [when not in use]. The response team from the Department of Education is doing the best they can.”

Personett agreed. “Dewey is a family [and] is doing the best they can for their children,” he said.

Citywide, schools have had to make adjustments, even if the buildings weren’t impacted by Sandy. Since schools across the city remained closed for a week, winter recess this coming February will be cut short. Classes will be in session for the last three days of that break, February 20, 21 and 22. In addition, the June 4 clerical half day will become a full day of school instruction. These extra schools days will make up for lost class time, and will keep the DOE eligible for state funding.

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott, CSA President Ernest Logan and United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew stated, “Teachers, principals, and the school community made an extraordinary effort to get our schools back online after the storm, and by working together, we were able to open most schools with minimal disruption. It is just as important that we recover the time lost, and this agreement will provide students with additional class instruction.”