NYC shifts high school to migrant shelter, students go remote
New York City High School Converts to Shelter for Migrants Amid Storm
Amidst a storm in New York City, a high school has been transformed into a temporary shelter for migrants, resulting in remote learning for its students on Wednesday.
Approximately 2,000 migrants who were residing at Floyd Bennett Field, a historic airfield in Brooklyn, were relocated to James Madison High School due to unsafe conditions caused by the adverse weather, according to city officials.
“To ensure a smooth transition for families temporarily sheltering overnight in the building, our school building will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 10, and school will be in session remotely for all students,” Principal Jodie Cohen wrote in a message. “Students should plan to log on and participate in their classes from home.”
Another communication from the school stated that live instruction would not be provided by default, but only upon request.
“Please log in to your teachers’ Google Classrooms for your required assignments,” the announcement read. “The completion of your assignments will dictate your attendance for the day. Teachers will be available via Zoom if requested prior by email.”
New York City mayor Eric Adams’s (D.) office expressed concerns about the tent city at the airfield, which was vulnerable to forecasted rain and winds of up to 70 mph.
“To be clear, this relocation is a proactive measure being taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals working and living at the center,” said Kayla Mamelak, a spokeswoman for Adams, according to the New York Post.
City officials, including New York City Council minority whip Inna Vernikov (R.), criticized the decision, arguing that it was predictable given the exposed nature of the airfield.
“This is both unacceptable and entirely foreseeable,” Vernikov said in a statement she posted on X, formerly Twitter, “as Floyd Bennet Field is vulnerable to all forms of inclement weather conditions and is not a sustainable housing facility. … Our public schools are meant to be places of learning and growth for our children, and were never intended to be shelters or facilities for emergency housing.”
The storm subsided at the airfield at 1:10 a.m. on Wednesday, and the migrants returned from the school by 4:27 a.m., as reported by the city’s emergency management department on X.
This conversion of the school into a shelter is the latest development in New York City’s handling of the migrant crisis. Mayor Eric Adams has been vocal about the strain it puts on the city, stating in September that the crisis would “destroy” the city.
These events at the school follow a record-breaking month in December, where authorities encountered over 300,000 migrants attempting to cross the border illegally.
What were the concerns expressed by the community regarding the decision to convert the high school into a shelter?
Ocation is temporary and was necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the migrants,” said Adams during a press conference. “Our top priority is to provide a warm and secure environment for those seeking refuge in our city.”
This decision was made as the city prepared for a severe winter storm, which brought heavy rain, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. The harsh conditions posed a significant risk to the migrants living in tents at Floyd Bennett Field, prompting city officials to take immediate action.
James Madison High School, located in the Marine Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, quickly transformed its facility into a temporary shelter to accommodate the relocated migrants. The school’s gymnasium and cafeteria were converted into sleeping quarters, providing a safe place for the migrants to stay during the storm.
For the students of James Madison High School, this meant a shift to remote learning for a day. Principal Jodie Cohen informed the students and their families about the closure of the school building and the transition to online classes. Students were instructed to log in and participate in their classes from home. While live instruction was not provided by default, teachers were available for support and assistance through Zoom upon request.
The decision to convert the high school into a shelter received mixed reactions from the community. Some residents expressed concern about the disruption to students’ education and the potential strain on the school’s resources. However, others acknowledged the necessity of providing shelter for the migrants, prioritizing their safety during inclement weather conditions.
Mayor Adams addressed these concerns, assuring the community that the relocation was temporary and necessary. He emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of all its residents, including those seeking refuge. The mayor’s office worked closely with various agencies and organizations to provide the necessary support and resources for the migrants during their stay at James Madison High School.
The storm that prompted this action was part of a series of severe weather events that have been impacting the region. The New York City area has experienced record-breaking rainfall and strong winds, causing widespread damage and power outages. The makeshift tents at Floyd Bennett Field would not have been able to withstand the adverse conditions, putting the migrants at even greater risk.
As the storm passes and conditions improve, the migrants will be safely relocated back to Floyd Bennett Field. The high school will resume its normal operations, and students will be able to return to in-person learning. The temporary conversion of the school into a shelter highlights the resilience and compassion of the New York City community, coming together to ensure the safety and well-being of those in need.
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