West Orange Teachers Show True Grit When Snowstorm Traps Students

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Like kids looting the fridge at a sleepover, the staff of Liberty Middle School dug into the cafeteria’s stash, doling out munchies to hundreds of students for an impromptu movie night in the school auditorium. It was going to be a long evening, they knew. And for such an endeavor, snacks are imperative.

“Sorry, Sodexo... I raided the cafeteria,” one administrator joked on Twitter.

Thus began a test of endurance – and camaraderie – on the parts of dozens of West Orange teachers, staff and administrators when a snap snowstorm trapped hundreds of students across the district in school overnight.

• See related article: West Orange Students Trapped After Snow Stalls Buses (PHOTOS)

Yes, it seems like the sort of situation you’d encounter on an episode of The Simpsons. And no, the unusual nature of their task didn’t escape the stalwart educators, many of whom sacrificed time with their own families to safeguard other peoples’ children.

But that’s part of being a teacher, after all.

The massive slumber party began just as classes were getting ready to leave for the day. While weather forecasters called for heavy snow, many were caught unaware by the storm’s sudden ferocity.

As reports of car crashes and near-apocalyptic road conditions raged outside the school, buses began getting stuck throughout West Orange. It soon became clear that the vehicles – and those aboard them – needed to “shelter in place,” school administrators said.

While the students caught on the buses faced their own challenges – some reportedly went hours without a bathroom break – those still at school faced a different sort of conundrum… there was no way to get them home.

Around 10 p.m., West Orange administrators announced that the students trapped at several schools may possibly be kept there overnight: West Orange High School, Betty Maddalena Preschool, Kelly Elementary, Redwood Elementary, Mt. Pleasant Elementary, Edison Middle School, Roosevelt Middle School and Liberty Middle School.

"Students are safe in their schools with teachers and staff," officials wrote. "They have eaten dinner and are preparing to get some rest."

Administrators were half-right; the students were definitely safe. But the “rest” part? As anyone who’s ever been at a sleepover knows, sleep is usually not part of the equation.

As the night wore on, teachers and staff were forced to improvise for ways to keep an entire school full of students occupied, fed and safe. Liberty Middle Principal Bob Klemt kept parents informed of efforts at his school with a series of Twitter posts (see below).

GOOD EATS

Some of the school’s staff – including the cafeteria employees – pitched in to fix snacks and meals. The impromptu menu even included an early morning helping of French toast.

MOVIE IN A NOR'EASTER

Dozens of students partook in a complimentary film screening, courtesy of West Orange schools.

What movie did they pick? "Frozen," what else?

FUN N’ GAMES

Other teachers and staff kept students entertained with whatever games and sports they could find. Key to the campaign was the classic basketball game of "knockout," which reached epic proportions.

Hangman and Pictionary proved to be useful for battling boredom, as well, administrators reported.

CATCHING SOME SHUTEYE

Turning gym mats into makeshift mattresses, teachers and staff tried their best to give pooped students a place to crash.

Several parents who lived nearby showed up at the school with extra blankets, pillows, and other supplies. Other parents took their children and friends to their homes.

"It took a village, but the children were safe and happy," school officials said.

As the roads began to clear up around 5 a.m. on Friday, some parents who hadn't been able to ford their way to school the previous evening were able to make safe pickups. The remaining students were able to make it home via buses, which finally got clearance to move, officials said.

On Friday, Board of Education President Ron Charles offered the following message of thanks to all the people across the district who stepped up to the plate during a time of need:

"On behalf of the West Orange Board of Education we want to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the teachers, administrators and staff of the West Orange School District who demonstrated during yesterday's emergency and over the last twenty-four hours how dedicated, professional, and caring they are towards the students of the District. The Board greatly appreciates the sacrifices made on our children’s behalf, as we realize our staff were away from their own families during this emergency. We further want to extend our gratitude to the West Orange Police Officers, West Orange Firemen and first responders who protected our students and provided safety in extremely difficult circumstances. We thank the Chit Chat Diner for providing shelter, warmth and meals to approximately 80 children and to the countless community members and parents who provided blankets and supplies. Lastly, to our fellow parents for their patience and understanding during this difficult time... Once again, on behalf of my colleagues, I thank you for showing us the heroes you all truly are."

The efforts of West Orange’s teachers and support staff didn’t go unnoticed by community members, either. Here’s a small sample of the hundreds of positive comments seen online:

• “I’m sure all of these teachers, staff and administrators had families at home as well and yet they put these kids first. God bless them all.”
• “Well done West Orange teachers and admin! You all deserve medals for your all-nighter.”
• “God bless these amazing teachers, administrators, custodians and office staff! Those children will have an awesome story to tell their kids someday!”
• “The bus drivers should also be commended to return the children to the school rather than taken the risk. My thank you to everyone involved.”
• “This post made it to Arizona. This brought tears to my eyes! I hope you all get to go home and find your beds today, but this is teacher love.”
• “People need to stop being nasty to the West Orange schools. I truly believe it was a very hard day for everyone. No one excepted this kind of weather and this was not the only town with terrible traffic due to the weather conditions. Let’s be grateful to all the staff in the schools for being there for all our children may they all get plenty of rest tomorrow and drive home safe.”
• “This makes me so proud to be a teacher - thank you to my fellow New Jersey educators in my hometown of West Orange for showing the world how passionate, caring, and selfless teachers are, you make us all proud and inspired!”
• “What a feel good story. More good has come from this experience than hardship.”

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Photos: West Orange Public Schools