The Robert Frost Public Charter School suffered devastating losses due to flooding on December 18th.

The level of the nearby river rose to over 17 feet during the height of the rainstorm. Historic levels, we are told. Our school, not typically in a flood zone, experienced a surge of over three feet of water throughout our entire lower level.

The flood water destroyed the entire contents of two classrooms, including furniture, learning materials, area rugs, laptops, student work, art supplies, etc. The water also destroyed items outside of the classrooms, including both furnaces, a refrigerator, bookcases, additional learning materials, games, puzzles, etc.

"We are heartbroken," said board chair Juliet D 'Avila, "we have lost so much of our Montessori curriculum for the younger students."

Despite the school having comprehensive insurance coverage, we, like so many, are not covered for the type of natural disaster that devastated our community. Also, as a public charter school in the state of NH, our funding is limited to the per-pupil funding provided by the state, and our budget is very lean. As such, there are no funds in the budget to cover such devastating losses.

Already, some local businesses and organizations have reached out to ask if they can help. Our local Super Shoes donated new Crocs to every student to replace the shoes the students keep at the school for indoor use. The students were so excited to receive their new shoes to replace the ones lost to the flood waters. A big thank you to Super Shoes, and to Lisa and Nancy who delivered the shoes to our students!

We would also like to thank all our dedicated staff members, RWN Property Management, the Conway Historical Society, T&D Excavating, Pope Security, and everyone else who helped us with the initial clean-up, water removal, and safety assessment. Also, a huge thank you to Angels & Elves/MWV Kiwanis for their very generous donation of games and puzzles to replace those lost in the flooding and their thoughtful cash donation.

Our recovery is an ongoing effort, and it will take time to get back to normal, but with the help of so many, we know we will get through this loss.

Our students, families, and staff are grateful for any assistance you can provide.