ASHE COUNTY, N.C. — Many schools across the area are not back in the classroom as hundreds of students are without power or running water following Helene. Ashe County Schools told WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker it will be weeks before they reopen.
Administrators are not focusing on education right now, though, they are focusing on the well-being of their students and their families.
Some of the teachers are helping out at a school gym that's been transformed into a supply center and shelter.
“We’ve seen a lot of families, a lot of families that need a lot," Amanda Estes, a second-grade teacher, said. "We are just meeting them at the door and trying to give them the help they need.”
Estes walked families through and helped them shop at the site. Others have also used off-road vehicles to haul supplies to families who can't make it down the mountain.
Estes said she's using her classroom communication methods to reach families, making sure each one of them are safe.
"We’ve reached out to all of our parents and all of our families and all of our students.," Estes said. "Well, we are trying. We still haven’t found everybody.”
Estes has been without power from Helene but is still using her time to help students. She said it's common sense.
“Well, this, these these are my kids," Estes said. "These are my families. I’ve taught here for 22 years now, this is my school.”
Distribution sites:
Blue Ridge, Mountain View, and Westwood Elementary Schools are all open as emergency distribution sites, and items can be picked up from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Ashe County High School is operating as an emergency shelter.