Students from mold-tainted elementary school finishing school year at Kean University
UNION, New Jersey (WABC) -- Hundreds of students from a New Jersey elementary school contaminated with mold finally have a new place to learn.
Displaced students at Hannah Caldwell Elementary School in Union started classes Monday at Kean University's Morris Avenue building.
They have been in limbo since October when mold forced their school to close and they have been bussed around to several locations since.
"When we heard about the mold situation at Hannah Caldwell, we got together and said, 'how can we help, what can we do?'" said Kean Vice President of University Relations Karen Smith.
The students from more than 30 classrooms will remain at Kean for the rest of the academic school year.
"We designed classrooms out of the open space, there's about 39 throughout the floor and a half," said Township of Union Schools Superintendent Dr. Gerry Benaquista. "We created a nurse's office, a gym space, a cafeteria."
Kean is providing the space at no cost to Union Township Public Schools and as part of the agreement, Kean's College of Education will collaborate with the district to create experiential learning opportunities for Kean students.
"As an anchor institution, Kean is pleased to support the Union Township community in its time of need," said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. "This partnership allows us to provide these young learners a safe and supportive environment. We are proud to help ensure their education continues uninterrupted while strengthening the bonds between our University and the community we serve."
The young students seem to be a fan of their new environment after day one.
"I like how it was nice and big, and all the windows," said fourth grader Angelise.
"I have to use it wisely, but everything was going fine," said fourth grader Rhodah.
But it's once again, a shift for parents and their pick up/drop off routine.
"It disrupted our lives, so I'm accustomed to having a schedule," said parent John Denis.
"The way they got it now, it's better than it was before," said grandparent Martha Washington.
While, it may not be a perfect solution for everyone, Angelise's dad says it's worth it based on his daughter's reaction.
"It's definitely a step up and I'm happy that she's comfortable and she's back in a secure spot with her friends," said Angelise's dad Jesse DeJesus.
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