Relocated portables help keep students dry
Students walk in the rain to the portables. The move to the ROTC parking lot has removed the threat of walking across a flooded Ray Bon.
By Oscar Ramirez and Andres Del Toro |
Ten weeks into the school year, one of the main reasons that the portables were moved has been proven effective. After the city received over 2 inches of rain overnight, the teachers and students located in the portables no longer have to worry about stepping in up to two feet of water while crossing the street.
“I’m glad that I don’t have to pay the hooded cowl man in the canoe to cross the river,” math teacher Derrick Taylor said.
The water would pool at the Ray Bon crosswalk, forcing students to cross further down.
“It’s more convenient now,” senior Eric Escobedo, who had Mr. Taylor last year as well, said. “It’s safer and we don’t have to be as cautious now crossing the street with traffic.”
In the past, during rainy times, students had to cross Ray Bon to the portables (where the student parking is now) or have their classes relocated to different empty classrooms across the campus.
“They (wouldn’t) know what to do,” math teacher Jonathan Wineberg said. “Half the class was in the portable and the other half was in class.”
Taylor said his classes were relocated seven or eight times last year.
The two portables were moved from across Ray Bon to the ROTC pad over the summer and one new one added. Two each of English, Math, and Science classes are located in the portables.
“It’s a better location,” English teacher David McCollum said. “It’s easier access for both students and staff and a safer location. There’s access to the restrooms, it saves time, and keeps students in class.”
While students still had to walk to class with umbrellas in hand, students, staff and administration agree that it’s a valuable change.
“Although we don’ t have covered walkways yet to the portables or AS building, it is closer to walk to the portables’ new location than the old and students don’t have to fight the rushing water currents in the street,” Assistant Principal Lori Murach said.