by: James Ford
IRONBOUND (PIX11), Newark — A K-through-8-grade school in Newark has served as a community hub for nearly 150 years.
A fire that broke out in the early hours of Monday morning in one of its main classrooms has left some worried about the school’s ability to reopen in time to welcome teachers on Tuesday, and students next week.
The fire department responded to the fire around 3 a.m., according to neighbors who woke up at 2:30 am. In a press release, the fire department said that the firefighters had responded at “approximately 3 am.”
Since 1881, the Ironbound has had a school that occupies almost an entire block of city space.
This school brings back a lot of good memories for me. Carlos Rocha graduated in 1979 from the eighth grade of this school. I was shocked that it happened.
The fire that brought ten firefighters to the scene was not only a surprise for him.
Joseph Barreiro is located directly across from the Wilson Avenue, Ferry Street, Alyea Street, and Patterson Street school.
Barreiro stated that “My dad starts banging my window, saying, ‘The School’s On Fire’.” I looked out of the window, and said ‘Oh My God!
Barreiro graduated in late 1970s.
He said, “It’s painful.” It definitely hurts.
Barreiro said that after 142 years the Wilson Avenue School is now a focal point of the community.
He told PIX11 News, “This is the story of our lives.” It’s like our second home.
Maria Barreiro, Barreiro’s mom, graduated from that school in 1954, which was partly boarded on Monday after the fire. She had also been a teacher’s assistant there.
She said, “I’m very sorry about it.”
She tried to see the brighter side of things.
She said: “Thank goodness they were able to get in and that the fire was contained to just these two rooms.” The two rooms are located on the first floor of the school where the firefighters entered to douse the flames.
The main damage caused by the fire was to an multipurpose room and classroom, according to families.
The water used to fight the fire also caused damage to the classrooms that were below. Also, the school library lies below those rooms that were damaged by fire. The extent of damage to the rooms is not known, but the firefighters and maintenance staff opened nearly all the windows in the school on Monday afternnon, trying to air out the smoke.
A third generation student was left wondering what happened next.
Dylan Barreiro said, “I do not want to be virtual or go to another school.”
The day following Labor Day, he and his classmates will begin their classes.
Newark Public Schools released a press release that included the following:
District officials began working to make sure the school is ready for students and staff to arrive next week. The first day of class is September 5, 2023. Staff, students and their parents will receive updates on any next steps. Our security staff and facility personnel are to be commended, as well as the Newark Fire Department for their heroic efforts. Teachers’ Union said teachers will start their training at another school on Tuesday. The Wilson Avenue School, however, is being ready for the full faculty and staff to arrive in Newark next week.
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