My kindergarten used to be over here.

Raye Freer, an elementary school 
teacher in Joplin,
considers herself one of the 
lucky ones. 

And When I get up in the morning and I
go past my home that's no Longer there 
For about 12 days,I just lived in 
the WOW I lived through it.

Her school, while still standing is 
finished for now. Unlike the 

high school, and five other schools 
that are gone for good.

What we do know is that we have 
4000 200 kids following the storm

that didn't have place to go to
school.

And that is the challenge for 
Superintendant C.J. Huff, 

who  has  somehow kept summer school 
going here, while mounting a complex 

deadline driven campaign to have 
a new normal school year reopening 

on August 17th.

It represents the second that school 
starts, what is it, 61 days and 

change now, I believe, ah, before
our kids come back to school.
 
But how and where? With students, 
staff and their families homeless 

themselves and hundreds of classrooms, 
supplies, books and the functioning 

works of education lying in ruin.

You start with the vision first and 
then you figure out the path to get 

to that vision.

And you build partnerships to 
problem solve. 

And the federal government world with 
FEMA, SEMA and Army Corps of Engineers; 

all those pieces some of which 
Iím familiar with some of 

which is brand new.

Weíve got the best team on the line
and we got the Corp here we got the

top people in FEMA. Right now, we're
right on target the bids have gone 

out for the temp classrooms and the
buildings have been identified for

leasing.

Joplinís kids will also be learning 
here, in this empty commercial space, 

which will be transformed into Joplinís 
11th and 12 grades. 

The plans also will include keeping 
Joplinís students from 

natureís harmís way.

Weíre also putting in the bid package 
for 75 to 100 shelters 

tornado shelters that will come onsite.

Making Joplin's school bell ring has 
formed new bonds.

People from the school came up shook 
hands and said were glad you're here 

thank you for the help.

It's developed a new dimension 
of purpose 

It absolutely will build stronger 
psychological effects for that 

student and strengthen then for the 
coming school year.

As well as steely Joplin resolve.

You lose seven kids Were my kids, and,  

You know, We, we owe it to them if 
nothing else to hit the ball 

out of the park 
when it comes to rebuilding.