Hales Corners, Wisconsin, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, has announced a delay in its opening due to severe flood damage caused by heavy rainfall. Originally scheduled to start on August 25, the school now plans to reopen on September 8, depending on recovery progress. The flooding resulted in significant damage, with costs exceeding $1 million, and community support is essential for recovery efforts as the school lacks flood insurance. Several fundraising initiatives are underway to assist in the recovery process.
Hales Corners, Wisconsin – Journeys Lutheran School has announced a delay in its opening for the upcoming school year due to severe flood damage. Originally set to welcome students on August 25, the school aims to reopen by September 8, contingent upon recovery efforts progressing as planned.
The flooding, resulting from nearly 7 inches of rain during a historic storm, severely impacted the school’s premises. The influx of sewage and rainwater inundated classrooms, the library, and the gym, leading to extensive damage primarily in the basement and ground floor areas.
Current assessments estimate the total damages will surpass $1 million, which includes approximately $100,000 earmarked solely for cleanup activities. As the school does not possess flood insurance, significant financial support from the community will be necessary to aid in recovery efforts.
Journeys Lutheran School caters to 128 students with special needs, including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning disabilities. This institution is vital for these families, serving as a safe space where students can thrive and receive the necessary educational support.
In response to the crisis, community members have initiated several fundraising efforts. For instance, a local citizen organized a lemonade stand to generate funds for the school’s recovery. Additionally, a fundraising event at a local Culver’s restaurant is set to contribute 10% of its sales on a designated date to assist the school.
Working on the recovery front, the school’s head, Jenny Stollenwerk, voiced her concern for the families and students affected by the crisis, underscoring the crucial role the school plays in their lives. Teachers, including Mark Zimmerman, have pivoted from preparing for the upcoming school year to directly participating in the cleanup process.
The recovery operation has also uncovered the presence of asbestos within the building, necessitating specialized mitigation measures as part of the restoration plan. To facilitate community involvement, Journeys Lutheran School is scheduled to host a volunteer cleanup day on August 25, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., encouraging residents to lend a hand in the recovery efforts.
As a means to expedite the recovery process, the school has implemented an online fundraiser to help cover the costs associated with the damage and restore the building to its prior condition. The immediate need for professionals and volunteers to tackle various tasks, such as cleaning, painting, and replacing flooring, has been communicated as critical to the school’s timely reopening.
Additional Information
Journeys Lutheran School stands as an essential institution within the community, particularly for families with children who have special needs. As recovery efforts continue, the determination of the school, supported by the local community, remains a beacon of hope for restoring normalcy and ensuring that students can return to their safe and nurturing learning environment.
FAQ Section
What caused the delay in Journeys Lutheran School’s opening?
The delay is due to significant flood damage caused by nearly 7 inches of rain that led to an influx of sewage and rainwater into the school.
When is the new opening date for the school?
The school plans to reopen on September 8, following a two-week delay from the original start date of August 25.
What kind of students does the school serve?
Journeys Lutheran School serves 128 students with special needs, including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning disabilities.
What are the estimated damages from the flooding?
Total damages are estimated to exceed $1 million, with about $100,000 allocated specifically for cleanup efforts.
How can the community help?
The community can assist through various fundraising efforts, including a lemonade stand, an online fundraiser, and a local event at Culver’s that donates a percentage of sales to the school.
Is there any insurance coverage for the damage?
No, Journeys Lutheran School does not have flood insurance, emphasizing the necessity of community support for recovery.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hales Corners, Wisconsin |
| Original Opening Date | August 25 |
| New Opening Date | September 8 |
| Number of Students | 128 |
| Estimated Damages | Over $1 million |
| Insurance Coverage | No flood insurance |
| Fundraising Efforts | Lemonade stand, online fundraiser, local Culver’s event |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WISN: Flood Damage Delays Start of School in Hales Corners
- Wikipedia: Hales Corners, Wisconsin
- Spectrum News: Journeys Lutheran School Flood Damage
- Google Search: Journeys Lutheran School flooding
- TMJ4: Special Needs School Faces $1 Million in Flood Damage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- JSONline: Riverside High School & Journeys Lutheran School Affected by Flooding
- Google News: Flood Damage Schools
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