Schools Resumption: California Youths Help Storm Clean-Up

As some schools re-open across California, the scale of the damage caused by a once-in-a-generation deadly “parade of storms” is becoming clear – as well as the major clean-up effort that will be required for residents of all ages.

Many schools in central and northern California cancelled classes shortly after the start of 2023 as road conditions became impassable due to downed trees, landslides, floods and snow.

But even as the foul weather continues into a third week, pupils further south are now back in school as officials forecast that the worst of the continuing storms may be over.

In Santa Barbara County, where the exclusive community of Montecito was evacuated due to fears of mudslides, the school district resumed classes for most pupils on Wednesday – one day after Montecito’s order to flee was lifted.

On social media, parents fretted about whether pupils commuting to school – navigating through work crews repairing damages -would be penalised for lateness or absence.