Watch CBS News

Wylie Schools Reopen Wednesday After Hail Damage Cleanup

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

WYLIE (CBSDFW.COM) - In Wylie, it was a day that called for 'all-hands-on-deck'. A massive hail storm left every campus in the district reporting some level of damage. So district superintendent David Vinson ditched his suit and tie, and strapped a vacuum on his back, instead.

"I'd walk through fire for these kids," said Supt. Vinson, as he vacuumed up broken glass and debris at Akin Elementary.

No fire…just softball sized hail that fell with the force of a Nolan Ryan fastball. "We've cleaned this up," said Supt. Vinson, gesturing to a now cleared hallway. "But, we're going to have to come back in and break this glass and put boards on it. Because when our babies walk down this hall, want to make certain that nothing falls on them."

Although the schools will reopen on Wednesday, the campuses were still crawling with workers late Tuesday afternoon. Although classes were cancelled Tuesday as a safety precaution—some students went to work, anyway.

"These kids wanted to do something," said WISD Mom Wendy Liebert, "it's the least we could do. We know it's going to be a long day… it's going to be a long night. The least we can do is feed them."

So with a pint-sized crew of helpers in tow, Liebert and a handful of students carted around snacks for the workers.

"Since they had a big hail storm… and it had lots of damage. So we've going around and giving out lunch," said 8-year-old Georgia Fleming. "We have been going to schools and handing out chips, water…we have like food!, exclaimed Walker Liebert, who'll be 8 later this month. Bella Moore, 9, quickly added: "we could be playing outside, but we're not, we're going to help people!"

The hot dogs, chips and water provided a welcome snack: that the kids thought to do it warms the heart.

"We talk about the values we want our kids to have," said Supt. Vinson, "and we want them to be respectful, we want them to be responsible, we want them to be caring: and they deliver. But, if we show them, it's just so much better in action."

On so many levels the effort in Wylie reminds the teachers that the lessons that last, come from life. "Our babies are safe. Our community is safe," said Supt. Vinson, wiping his sweat drenched forehead, "and we're showing 'em what we're made of and it's good stuff."

(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue