This is an update to previously reported information regarding the structural damage to St. Mary’s School in Ellis, KS, following the storm on July 25th, 2018.

Previously, following a building assessment by a structural engineer on St. Mary’s school, it was reported that the building would be unsafe for students for the 2018-2019 school year due to significant damage to the east wall of the school’s gymnasium and the gymnasium roof. At that time school staff began to explore options to include securing mobile classrooms for students with the intention to start school as scheduled on August 23rd, 2018.

During the time that information was being received on the logistics of mobile classrooms, Father Dana Clark met with a design engineer and an architect who have surveyed the building damage. After this assessment, the structural engineer, design engineer, and architect have met and determined that the damaged gymnasium wall can be structurally supported with temporary bracing, which will allow the remainder of the school to be safe for students to attend class this year.

In light of the recent developments, Father Dana Clark, Principal April Pfeifer, and St. Mary’s School Council have determined the need to push back the first day of school to September 10th, 2018. This will allow time for a contractor to brace the damaged wall, as well as secure the damaged roof of the gymnasium to make the school building safe for students. Additionally, this will allow time to repair the damage which occurred inside the classrooms so that they will be ready for students when they arrive for the first day of school. Should these repairs be completed ahead of schedule, parents will be notified in advance if St. Mary’s is able to start school prior to September 10th, 2018.

St. Mary’s School continues to appreciate all those who have helped with the current situation we face ahead. Volunteers are still needed to prepare the school for the upcoming repairs. Volunteers are asked to check in at the school no earlier than 9am.

Monetary donations to assist with the replacement of damaged school supplies continue to be accepted and can be sent to Equity Bank, Attn: St. Mary’s, PO Box 255, Ellis, KS 67637.

Updates will continue to be posted to the St. Mary’s Catholic School K-6 or St. Mary’s Church Ellis, KS Facebook pages.

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