Recovery Progress and Plans for a Return to Campus | October 4, 2024
Dear Asheville School Community,
One week ago, Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina with devastating force. Entire communities were destroyed, and tragically, more than 100 lives were lost. Within our own school community, some of our students and their families lost or experienced severe damage to their homes. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
I want to apologize for the slow communication over the past weekend and earlier this week. The storm completely disrupted the communication infrastructure in our area. During our post-storm analysis, we will seek to find a solution and work around to communicate with our community, should we ever face such a crisis again.
I am relieved to share that our campus is in good condition. While we sustained some minor roof damage, none of our buildings were significantly harmed. Thanks to the hard work of our incredible maintenance team, the campus has been cleaned up and looks great. Power and cellular service have been restored, and roofers are addressing the necessary repairs to our buildings.
However, we are still without water on campus, as is the case throughout most of Asheville. All three of the city’s water plants were heavily damaged, but one plant became operational in the last 24 hours. Local officials are feverishly working to bring the other two online, though we do not yet have a clear timeline for when full water service will be restored. As soon as water is restored to campus, we will notify our students and families. We hope this will happen very soon.
In the interim, our administrative and crisis response teams are meeting daily to strategize and prepare for a return to school. We certainly hope to return on October 14th, but we are making contingency plans in case that is not possible.
We will provide another update on or before October 9th. It is my deepest and most personal desire that we return to campus and in-person classes as quickly as possible. As soon as we have water, we will recommence the school year in person.
I know this has been a difficult time for every member of the Asheville School community. The uncertainty and disruption have caused tremendous anxiety, and I am grateful for your patience in this terrible situation. Please let us know if we can support you in any way.
I hope that we are all reunited exceptionally soon.
Sincerely,
Anthony H. Sgro, Ed.D. ’84, Head of School
Extended Campus Closure Update | October 1, 2024
Dear Asheville School Community,
We are writing to share an update from 360 Asheville School Road after a very intense few days of navigating the historic impacts of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. We apologize for the delay in communications as we have had no internet or cellular service since Friday morning and continue to be without those services on campus at this time. We are unable to respond to individual emails or receive phone calls.
First and foremost, I want to let you know that our students are safe and sound. By Sunday evening, all students had departed campus and were safe with their own families or another generous Blues family. We were extremely fortunate that our campus sustained minimal damage compared to those around us in the Asheville area and surrounding communities.
I want to express how grateful we continue to be for the outpouring of support and assistance from the Blues community far and wide. The strength and resilience of our students, faculty, and staff is remarkable. We are overwhelmed by the tremendous generosity and dedication of our entire community during this difficult time. Thank you all.
Given the continued challenges surrounding the restoration of power, water, cell service, and internet in Asheville and on our campus, the School will be closed until Monday, October 14th. All students should plan to return to campus on Monday, October 14th and classes will be scheduled to resume on Tuesday, October 15th. This timeline is subject to change based on the restoration of the essential infrastructure required for a safe and successful return to school.
Please continue to hold western North Carolina and its residents in your prayers and hearts. Many of you have reached out to ask how you can assist those suffering in our area. Below we have included a list of verified organizations assisting in the relief efforts for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Anthony H. Sgro, Ed.D. ’84, Head of School
Verified Organizations Assisting in Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministry
Campus Closure Update | September 30, 2024
Dear Asheville School Community,
Due to the recent impacts from Hurricane Helene, Asheville School’s campus is now closed through Sunday, October 6th. We continue to have extremely limited internet and cell phone reception on campus. Thank you for your patience with our communication challenges.
The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our number one priority. Thank you for your continued patience and support during this challenging time. Our hearts are with the entire Western North Carolina community. We are grateful for everyone’s generosity and support.
Thank you,
Anthony H. Sgro, Ed.D. ’84, Head of School