The Lakeside High School community faced a daunting situation when part of the school’s roof collapsed on December 1. Ashtabula Area City Schools Superintendent Lisa Newsome swiftly decided against remote learning, knowing how critical in-person education is for student engagement. The administrative team, led by Principal Douglas Wetherholt, devised a quick relocation plan, leveraging multiple school buildings such as the former Huron Primary School and Mother of Sorrows School. Their goal was to ensure minimal disruption and maintain a stable learning environment for the students.
Transitional Challenges and Early Adjustments
First Day Hurdles and Transportation Issues
On the first day at the new facilities, some minor transportation issues arose, but the transition was largely smooth, reflecting the preparedness and quick actions of the administrative team. Both students and staff exhibited resilience and adaptability, earning praise from Wetherholt for their positive attitudes and efforts during this challenging time. The teachers, in particular, have had to adjust to an inter-building commute, as different grade levels are now dispersed across the various temporary locations. Yet, their dedication to maintaining a quality educational experience has not wavered.
The availability of previously purchased buildings, due to declining enrollment, significantly aided the relocation efforts. These underutilized facilities were ready to accommodate the sudden influx of students and staff, preventing what could have been a prolonged disruption in the school calendar. Community support played a crucial role, with local residents expressing their willingness to assist in any capacity, further reinforcing the sense of unity and shared purpose during this unsettling period. The dragon mascot of the school became a symbol of pride and unity, helping to fortify the community spirit.
Facilitating Student and Staff Adaptation
The utilization of the former Huron Primary and Mother of Sorrows buildings, now designated as Lakeside 9, along with Erie Intermediate, has called for creative solutions to accommodate the diverse needs of high school students. For instance, students use the facilities of Erie Intermediate for activities like band, chorus, and art classes early in the mornings. However, this arrangement requires careful scheduling and coordination to minimize overlap and ensure smooth transitions between different student groups.
Senior student Jason Lopez reflected on his mixed feelings about the transition. He misses having a dedicated home venue for basketball games, a sentiment shared by many of his peers who value the sense of belonging and continuity that comes with having a familiar school environment. However, he also recognizes the nostalgic value of returning to a place he had once known during his earlier school years. Over time, he remarked, navigating the new setup has become easier as everyone grows more accustomed to the changes.
Community Efforts and Future Outlook
Impact of Community Support
The Lakeside community has been instrumental in ensuring the relocation was both swift and effective, with the support of local residents and parents providing crucial aid. This collective effort has emphasized the value of cooperation and resilience in the face of unexpected adversity. The school’s dragon mascot, embraced by students, staff, and community members alike, has served as an inspirational symbol during this period, fostering a sense of pride and unity that helped the community navigate the challenges of relocation.
Support extended beyond moral encouragement, with tangible contributions such as volunteer efforts, donations, and logistical assistance playing significant roles. This demonstrated the power of community solidarity, reinforcing the idea that collective action can overcome even the most daunting challenges. As students and staff continue to adapt to their new environments, the sense of community support remains a cornerstone of their successful transition.
Maintaining Educational Quality During Transition
The Lakeside High School community encountered a significant challenge when a section of the school’s roof collapsed on December 1. Ashtabula Area City Schools Superintendent Lisa Newsome made the prompt decision not to transition to remote learning, recognizing the vital importance of in-person education for student involvement and success. To address this emergency, the administrative team, headed by Principal Douglas Wetherholt, quickly crafted a relocation strategy. This plan involved utilizing various school buildings, including the former Huron Primary School and Mother of Sorrows School, to accommodate the displaced students. Their primary objective was to ensure that the students’ education faced minimal interruption and that a stable learning environment was preserved. This effort highlights the commitment of the school administration to prioritize student needs and maintain educational continuity under challenging circumstances. The team’s resourcefulness and swift action underscored their dedication to overcoming obstacles for the benefit of their students’ academic and social well-being.
