A group of Schalmont Middle School students raised approximately $850 for Rotterdam Junction relief efforts by selling baked goods.

Oct. 3, 2011—The log cabin Kathie McKeon’s husband built for their wedding was supposed to last a lifetime.

Instead, the home the couple has shared in Pattersonville for more than 30 years will probably need to be excavated in the wake of two tropical storms and the subsequent flooding of the Mohawk River.

McKeon, a guidance secretary at the high school, is one of nearly 100 district families throughout Rotterdam Junction and Pattersonville whose homes were completed destroyed or damaged from flood water contaminated with oil, sewage and other pollutants.

In the wake of the storms, approximately 45 students are living in temporary housing throughout the Capital Region. District officials continue to provide them with school bus transportation to and from school.

“It was very important for us to provide our students with a sense of normalcy by ensuring they could return to a familiar and welcoming environment,” said Superintendent Dr. Valerie Kelsey. “At a time like this, it’s not about the additional expense, but doing what’s in the best interest of our students.”

According to PPS Director Shari Lontrato, some students literally returned to school with only the clothes on their backs.

“Devastation isn’t the right word to describe watching people put their entire lives on the curb," said Lontrato, after visiting the Junction. “It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.”

McKeon remains surprisingly optimistic despite losing everything in her home including the children’s toys she was saving for her grandchildren.

“They can take everything but my smile,” she said before describing the sensitivity town employees’ expressed as they hauled away her damaged goods and the parent who brought her a tray of cookies, a home-cooked meal and bottle of wine. “Everyone has been wonderful.”

Schalmont community rises to the occasion to help friends and neighbors
The ways in which school board members, teachers, staff, students and parents have been providing assistance seems to be endless. The entire community has truly been instrumental in the area’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“As awful as it must have been to lose everything, I heard so many people say they never would have known how many great people there are in the world,” said Lontrato.

Jefferson Elementary School teachers Susan Hennessey and Marie Drislane assisted with clean-up efforts in Schoharie and Rotterdam Junction.

“We pulled wood out of basements, sprayed for mold and inserted a sump pump,” said Hennessey. “We also walked down the street and picked up people’s life-long possessions that were swept away and deposited onto someone else’s front lawn.”

Schalmont teachers Aimee Yankowski and Melissa Pierson assisted with clean-up efforts on Isabella Street—one of the hardest hit areas in the Junction.

“We could not believe the destruction,” said Pierson. “It was so sad to see so many people lose everything.”

The Schalmont Teachers Association collected more than $10,000 in store gift cards and pre-paid debit cards, which will support Rotterdam Junction relief efforts. A student-run bake sale raised more than $850.

In just a few short days, the district collected so much clothing and supplies it could no longer accept donations. Special education teacher Cori Kinns was instrumental in facilitating the distribution center along with a number of volunteers who distributed supplies to community members in need.

The center is currently located in the former Mariaville Elementary School building where it is open by appointment-only. Call Debbie at 229-6493 or Deanne at 424-0992 to schedule a visit. 

“So many people are living with only what they need at the moment,” said Lontrato. “By continuing to provide them with access to the center they’ll be able to stock up on clothing and supplies when they are more likely to have found an established residence.”

Building a stronger school community—together
District officials knew the Schalmont school community would come together in a different way this year after the closing of two longtime schools.

“We’re more united than ever because of everything we’ve endured over the past year and the challenges we continue to face,” said Kelsey. “We are Schalmont, and together we’re a stronger school community. The bricks and mortars don’t matter as much as the sense of unity, community and pride that we’re continuing to build and rely upon.”

The entire community has pulled together to help their friends, neighbors and even complete strangers in the face of such devastation.

“Simply saying thank you just doesn’t suffice,” said Kelsey.

Continuing to support the recovery efforts
Although, the new school year is well underway and many people are returning to their normal lives, those deeply affected by the storms continue to deal with its aftermath.

“We’re not through this disaster yet,” said Kelsey. “Our families are safe, but the road to recovery is not going to be easy. Thankfully there is no shortage of compassion or willing volunteers available to help in any way they can.”

The community rallied together once again during homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 15. In addition to the traditional football game, a 5K race and 1K walk/kid's run and all-day bottle drive were held with proceeds from both set to benefit Rotterdam Junction relief efforts.

Schalmont residents received an additional 21 days to pay their school tax bills once Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved the superintendent’s request for an interest and penalty free extension through Oct. 21. 

“We’re doing everything we can to help our families through this unbelievably difficult time,” said Kesley.

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