Counseling Helps Young Storm Victims At Passaic School
PASSAIC, N.J. (WCBS 880) - A 5th grade class at P.S. 9 in Passaic, New Jersey clapped their hands in appreciation of their guidance counselors Friday.
The school was able to get counselors to assist with the influx of students it had to accommodate following the recent flooding and storm damage to Paterson-area schools.
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"It's marvelous to have them because we do need them. We have a lot social needs," said principal Isabel Leon.
The school took in over 200 children from Paterson and other neighboring towns whose schools were flooded out after last month's storms. Leon said some kids need guidance fitting in.
"There's an adjustment. We have children that are coming to us from other countries. So, it's very hard for them," she told WCBS 880 reporter Levon Putney.
District Superintendent Robert Holster echoed those sentiments as well.
"There's a lot of catching up for many students. Guidance services could enhance that kind of catching up," Holster said.
The school was able to get a grant to help hire the guidance counselors.
"This was the only school, the only town that got this grant," said Rep. Bill Pascrell.
Pascrell says it's a grant of just over $1 million for three years.
Right now, principal Leon and her vice principal, Robert Brady, are acting as a guidance counselors, but is happy to have the help.
"It's very important that our children have a place to go, not only myself, but they have someone else that they can speak to," Leon said.
Have you or your child had to move to a new school after the recent storms? What has it been like? Share your store in the comments section below.
