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Students return to different schools after Sandy – Metro US

Students return to different schools after Sandy

It’s the first day of school all over again. Or at least it feels that way for the tens of thousands of displaced students entering new classrooms tomorrow.

As of Monday evening, Jennifer Devitt of Rockaway Park was still awaiting the details of her son’s new placement in South Jamaica.

“I haven’t gotten any information about how students are supposed to get to the new site,” said Devitt, whose son is a first grader with special needs.

His school is among the 43 severely damaged sites that are unable to reopen yet.

“Meanwhile he’s being reassigned to a high school, which doesn’t sit well with me,” Devitt said, adding that no timeline has been given for the duration of her son’s reassignment.

About 23,000 students were relocated from their regular schools.

However, the majority of city schools were able to reopen earlier this week. At a press conference Monday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that about 86 percent of students had reported to class – about the same number as this time last year.

The city is also working to help displaced students transition to their new campuses smoothly.

To assist with the commute, MetroCards are being provided to students staying in emergency shelters. For others, students will be picked up at their closed schools for transportation to relocation.

The DOE does not have enough buses for all students, they cautioned, but will offer reimbursement for displaced families including cab or subway fare.

And students may want to bring a sweater — about 35 schools will have no heat, according to the DOE.

Sandy causes problems for schools

43 Severely damaged schools were unable to reopen.

23K Students were forced to relocate to new sites.

1,800 evacuees were living in eight city schools serving as shelters.

5 Missed school days due to Hurricane Sandy.

According to a Department of Education spokesperson, a plan has not yet been finalized to make up the days.