Briarwood Teachers, Students Offer Thanks For Red Cross Contributions

Friday morning, teachers and students at Briarwood Elementary School took a break to enjoy popcorn and to say thank you to the Red Cross and other organizations that have helped them transition into their temporary space at Emmaus Baptist Church.

The Red Cross has played a major part in helping teachers rebuild their classrooms with items they would normally have to reach into their own pockets for.

"It's definitely different, but it still works really well," said 6^th grader Kylie Jancen. "The only difference is the building. Everyone is still the same person."

Jancen lived through the tornado, huddled in Briarwood Elementary. She and the hundreds of other students are getting used to their temporary school. They appreciate how normal things feel inside their new classrooms.

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"Most of us walked out with nothing. I walked out with one book and I've been teaching for 14 years. So everything was in my office and that's where most of us were, we didn't have anything," recalled counselor Amy Raney.

The Red Cross stepped in to bridge a gap after they realized FEMA and insurance funds would not cover all of the supplies that the teachers had amassed in their classrooms over the years. By providing donations to teachers to help rebuild their classrooms, the teachers did not have to spend their own money on the supplemental teaching supplies that make a classroom feel comfortable for the students.

"Getting books and supplies and that has helped greatly," said Raney.

After six years at Briarwood, Jancen is ready for Junior High, but her pride for Briarwood Elementary School runs deep. She and the other 6^th graders want to make sure the younger students appreciate everything that's being done for them.

"It's good to see. I've heard good things about how good they're doing it and I hope all the younger kids get to go there and I think they'll have a good time."

The Red Cross said it would continue to support teacher in Moore and other areas affected by the tornadoes and help out as new needs arise.

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