Blanchard students start classes at Lynwood Baptist

Blanchard Elementary students who returned to classes Friday morning at Lynwood Baptist Church after a fire Tuesday night closed down the school for several days were met with a special greeting.

Southeast Missouri State University athletes and coaches, Cape Girardeau firefighters and policeman and other volunteers cheered for students as they entered the building Friday morning.

They came to rally the students, principal Barbara Kohlfeld said.

"It was really neat to see how everybody worked together," superintendent Dr. Jim Welker said.

Welker said that as far as he can tell, everything was running smoothly using the church for classes.

"It's been a whirlwind challenge getting things set up, and I have to give Dr. Kohlfeld and her staff a lot of credit," Welker said.

The school's staff spent Thursday readying the church for the school's 350 students.

At the end of the school day Friday, Kohlfeld said things were kept as routine as possible for students and that reminded the students that they are guests at the church while classes are held there.

As for the displacement from the fire, Kohlfeld said the staff didn't dwell on it, nor did the students.

"We instead focused them on that we are in a new facility and that we will be there to help and support them and make the most of it," she said.

Welker said it seems feasible that students could return to classes in the school following Christmas break because cleaning crews have already begun work.

Kohlfeld said she is grateful for the effort of the community in helping the school. Backpacks for a food assistance program, BackPacks for Friday, were lost in the fire. The program sends home a backpack full of food on the weekend with students who need the assistance. The backpacks have already been replaced with the community's help, she said.

eragan@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

2935 Lynwood Hills Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO