Because I am always late picking my daughter up I was the only parent in the office when word came of the tornado warning and the order was issued to get the kids off the bus and back in to the school. The busses were literally ready to pull away. While I remained in the office I watched as Mrs. Gilbert quickly called all the teachers back to the busses to retrieve their kids. Mrs. Kingery moved swiftly as she notified Mrs. Jordan & Mr. Bransteter to stop the busses. The teachers were immediately present and guiding their students back to their classrooms. The children were very calm as they returned to the classes. I saw one small girl upset and 2 of her peers comforting her as they walked. Although I did not keep track of time I am confident no more than 5 minutes passed before all the kids were safely off the busses and back in the watchful eye of their teachers.
The caring of WRE staff did not end there, the staff also ensured that all the parents in the car line also found safety in the building. As the warning continued Mrs. Jordan, Mr. B, Mrs. Kingery & Mrs. Gilbert continued to monitor the weather all the while answering the phones that rang nonstop.
You may wonder why I am choosing to write this tonight. If you are are anything like me you envision children crying and freaking out. Teachers running around counting heads in a panic, a random child left on the bus. Today was nothing like this. The staff executed what had been practiced perfectly and the kids stayed calmed and followed directions like champs.
I know after what I witnessed today that my little girl is in the best hands for those 7hrs every week day she's not with me!
Thank you Mrs. Jordan, Mr. Bransteter, Mrs. Gilbert, Mrs. Kingery & the entire WRE staff!
Sincerely,
Becky Neff