In the face of adversity, our community has always shown unity and strength. Today, we call upon that strength once again as we come together to rebuild, reconnect, and recover in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on our beloved FernLeaf Community Charter School's Creek Campus.
Hurricane Helene Destroys School
On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on our community, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Our Creek Campus, a cherished home to over 430 Kindergarten through 4th grade students, bore the brunt of this natural disaster. The damage is heartbreaking:
Three main buildings washed off their foundations
All instructional materials, technology, and furniture destroyed
Athletic fields, outdoor learning spaces, and gardens obliterated
26 acres of land and 1,200 feet of Cane Creek frontage severely damaged
A Legacy of Learning at Risk
For nearly a decade, the Creek Campus has been more than just a school – it has been the heart of our experiential and outdoor education programs. This unique setting has allowed our students to:
Engage in meaningful biodiversity studies
Explore nature through formal projects and informal discovery
Develop a deep connection with the environment
Explore passions through physical education and athletics
The loss of this space threatens not just buildings, but the very essence of our educational philosophy.
Hope Amidst the Ruins
Despite the devastation, our spirit remains unbroken. "We are determined to rebuild and continue our mission of providing innovative, experiential and inspiring education to our community", said Michael Luplow, FernLeaf’s executive director.
But we can't do this alone. We need your help to:
Relocate over 430 displaced students
Replace lost educational materials and equipment
Rebuild our outdoor learning spaces
Restore our community
Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to rebuilding our school and restoring hope for our students and families. Your generosity today will shape the educational experiences of generations to come.
Together, we can turn this tragedy into an opportunity for growth and renewal. By supporting our efforts to rebuild, reconnect, and recover, you're not just helping a school – you're nurturing the future of our community.
Be part of FernLeaf's inspiring comeback story. Your support will ensure that the legacy of our Creek Campus continues to inspire and educate for years to come.
Let's show the world the power of a community united in the face of adversity. Together, we will rebuild, we will reconnect, and we will recover – stronger than ever before. You can learn more, share with others and donate HERE.
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