birch road blog

Brock Elementary, Rose Smith and Paula Gatte

Here is the old Brock Elementary School building in Old Town Slidell, one block off Front St. The building took 6 feet of water into it's bottom floor. This building is the oldest school building in Slidell, built in 1910. If they are able to qualify for Historic Registry Status then they can save their school and school community. The building could be salvaged, cleaned and restored. It was a privilege to meet these heroic educators and students. Principal Rose Smith lost her home in the storm and is living in a Fema trailer on her property, working on rebuilding. She, and Brock Resource Helping Teacher, Paula Gatte, speak of the healing power of returning to work and showing up for the children of their school community who have lost so much. The children loved the book and banner sent from Crestone Charter school students. The pictures of Buddy, the class dog, got much adoration. CCS will partner with Brock in a year of service learning. What a wonderful community to focus our energies.

posted by Kathryn @ 10:06 PM