When students from Edward Cary Middle School started class at Benjamin Franklin Middle School after their home campus was seriously damaged by the Oct. 20 tornado, the new classmates bonded together by discussing a critical topic: what should the school’s mascot be?
Franklin Middle School’s mascot is the Falcons and Cary Middle School is the Colt. After minutes of good-natured discussion, the students settled on a compromise: the “Colcons.” And while it remains unknown whether this admittedly weirdly-named hybrid mascot will become a reality, Dallas ISD Chief of School Leadership Stephanie Elizalde said the mascot brainstorming session is one of countless ways that students, staff, partners and the larger community have stepped up to support the school communities impacted by the tornado.
“This has truly been a team effort that would make anyone proud,” Elizalde said. “This wouldn’t happen in just any school district, but it does happen in ours.”
District leaders briefed trustees Oct. 29 on the incredible work that made it possible for students to return to class just two days after their campuses were seriously damaged by the recent tornados. Of the schools impacted, 16 lost power, two sustained minor damage and three–Walnut Hill Elementary School, Edward H. Cary Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School–had extensive damage.
Deputy Superintendent of Operations Scott Layne compared last week’s work successfully returning kids to schools to a sprint and said replacing or restoring the seriously damaged schools will be a marathon. An outside insurance adjustor and district-hired insurance adjustor are currently surveying the financial cost of the storm’s damage. On Oct. 30, FEMA is also surveying the damage and could potentially provide some relief funding.
Dallas ISD has an insurance policy that covers up to $500 million in damage per occurence, with a $2 million deductible. Layne said it likely won’t be until Thanksgiving when they know the final cost of damages from the storm and next steps.
In the meantime, this school year Walnut Hill Elementary School reports to Tom Field Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson High School reports to Thomas Edison Learning Center and Cary Middle School reports Franklin and Medrano middle schools.
In his remarks, Hinojosa thanked the outpouring of support from the community, partners and district staff and teachers who have helped the school communities during this transitional time.
“I am so proud of our team and community,” Hinojosa said. “Our people step up not only in a crisis, but every day.”
