BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas – The Alvin Independent School District is helping one of its elementary schools pick up the pieces after it sustained significant damage, and asking for your help as well.
Walt Disney Elementary School, located near Mustang Rd. off Hwy 35, had its roof damaged during Saturday’s severe weather. Six tornados were confirmed across Texas, and the elementary school arguably saw the worst damage in Brazoria County.
MORE: 6 confirmed tornadoes cause widespread damage across counties
That’s where, officials say a tornado, rated EF-2, started down by County Road 172 on the southwest side and moved toward the eastern edge of Hillcrest. It traveled for about 8.8 miles. One person died and several others were injured as a result of this storm.
“While this news breaks our hearts, we are incredibly thankful that all children and staff were safe and not on campus during the storm,” district officials with Alvin ISD Education Foundation said in a post. “As we work toward recovery, we are asking for your support. Many of our educators have lost individual teaching materials that they’ve lovingly gathered over the years to inspire and educate their students.”
This drone footage captures the heartbreaking aftermath of Saturday's tornado at Walt Disney Elementary. The destruction is unimaginable, but together, we can help rebuild and restore hope for our educators and students. A huge thank you to 1820 Marketing for generously volunteering their time to create this. How can you help? 1. We are organizing a Supply Drive to support the recovery efforts: 📍 Location: Old Alvin Primary, 2200 Westpark Dr., Alvin, TX 77511 🗓️ Dates & Times: Dec. 31: 8 AM-11 AM & 1 PM-4 PM Jan. 1: 8 AM-11 AM & 1 PM-4 PM Jan. 2: 8 AM-12 PM 2. Monetary donations can be made here: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/3HB3Hg?vid=1gxsdd Thank you for your support as we stand together for Walt Disney Elementary. 💙 #WaltDisneyElementary #TornadoRelief #CommunityStrong #SupportOurEducators
Posted by Alvin ISD Education Foundation on Monday, December 30, 2024
Following an emergency board meeting Monday, the district has made the decision to temporarily relocate students of the school to the former Alvin Elementary campus.
You can read the district’s statement below:
Following the devastating tornado that struck Walt Disney Elementary, the Alvin ISD Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting on Monday, December 30 2024 to address the immediate needs of the affected students and staff.
To ensure a safe and suitable learning environment, the Board has approved a plan to temporarily relocate the Walt Disney Elementary community to the former Alvin Elementary campus, located at 1910 Rosharon Road in Alvin. District staff is currently working diligently to finalize transportation and logistical details, and families and staff will be informed as soon as these plans are complete.
”Our top priority is the well-being of our students and staff,” said Carol Nelson, Alvin ISD Superintendent. “We are committed to ensuring that their educational journey continues without interruption, even in the face of this unexpected tragedy.”
Alvin ISD’s operations and maintenance teams are working to prepare the temporary campus with the intent of staff returning on January 6 and students on January 7, 2025. Every effort is being made to provide a facility that meets the high standards required for teaching and learning.The district extends its gratitude to the community for their patience and support during this challenging time. Updates will be shared as more details become available.
The district is also asking the public for help through donations “to assist our educators in replacing lost materials and rebuilding their classrooms.” You can share or contribute by clicking here.