PS 114 and PS Q256 were completely flooded by the storm.
The schools were are both housed in the same building in Belle Harbor, Queens, and reopened three days ahead of schedule.
Since Sandy struck, crews have been working day and night to clean up all the damage left inside. And while the water-logged furniture and drenched supplies have been thrown away, parents are afraid of what may be left behind.
They have demanded an air quality test from the Department of Education, but they say they have yet to receive the test results. Many say they are hesitant to send their children back to the schools, where the floors have been replaced but the auditorium and gymnasium remain closed. Still, others say they just cannot wait for classes to resume.
Since the storm, students have been attending three different schools 10 to 12 miles away, so the reopening of the schools brings a level of convenience back to parents. The distance had affected attendance, with only about half attending the other schools on many days.
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