Plainview B&G Crew Avoided Delayed Opening

Plainview schools open Wednesday and that is only happening because of a dedicated Buildings and Grounds team, school officials say.

Hurricane Irene's fury caused destruction all over Long Island, leaving tens of thousands of people without power. Some of Plainview's schools were among those whose electricity was lost.

But grateful school board members, in a message to to the community issued late Tuesday, praised the Buildings and Grounds team for their hard work during and after the hurricane wreaked havoc across the region.

School officials said the district buildings and property suffered only minimal damage and most buildings were up and running quickly. Other school buildings lost power and were forced to reschedule some late summer events.

B&G secured the buildings as the hurricane approached. Several construction areas around the district posed particular challenges for the team, school officials said. Crew members remained inside the buildings to stand by as the emergency warranted.

All the buildings are now operational and will open on schedule Wednesday morning. 

One of those buildings, the POB Middle School on Central Park Road, was used a Red Cross emergency evacuation site and many Plainview staff members were on hand to assist those in need, school officials said.

Assistant Superintendent Ryan Ruf and Director of School Facilities and Operations Kim Parahus managed the district's response to the emergency.

School Board President Gary Bettan said Tuesday the district will have new updates on coming initiatives in the coming days and weeks. 

The district's website contains the school calendar and, by any standard, the school year appears ideal for much needed time off and recreation. This Saturday, the Plainview Hawks open their varsity football season against Syosset at home at 1:30 p.m. 

Then, the end of September brings a four day Rosh Hashanah holiday.

Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, meaning after classes on Friday Dec. 23. students don't return to school until Tuesday Jan. 3. A six-day Spring Break begins Friday April 6. Students don't return to school until Monday April 16.