West Side School on Long Island reopens after devastating fire
LAUREL HOLLOW, New York (WABC) -- It was an exciting morning on Monday West Side Elementary School. Students were welcomed back with signs, high fives and encouragement from teachers.
This is the first time they have been back in just over a month. On March 10, there was a fire in the library section of the school.
Immediately afterward, all students had to be relocated to three neighboring schools.
On Monday, they were reunited with their teachers and classmates, many smiling ear to ear and telling Eyewitness News it felt great to be back.
According to faculty, it was no easy task. They had to pass safety inspections, replace damaged furniture, replenish supplies and put in a lot of work just to get to this point.
Superintendent of Cold Spring Harbor Schools Joe Monastero said, "I was there that day, and I watched a lot of our books burn. It was amazing to see the community come together to raise a lot of money and organize a book drive. We have recovered 2,000 books from here and the Northport school."
"It feels amazing to be back at West Side," a student said.
There is still more to do. Crews are working on campus, and these trailers will serve as temporary learning centers for the children.
The damaged area is expected to be rebuilt over the summer months.
For now, students and staff are just happy to be together.
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