Hudson Valley school closed to in-person learning following pipe damage
Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School in Yorktown Heights will remain closed to in-person learning and will continue with remote learning through the end of this week, according to a post on the school's Facebook page.
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Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School in Yorktown Heights will remain closed to in-person learning and will continue with remote learning through the end of this week, according to a post on the school's Facebook page.
It stems from pipe damage due to the recent cold weather.
The prolonged freezing temperatures created significant stress on portions of the building’s infrastructure, resulting in multiple pipe failures, according to officials with the district.
"Crews continue to repair damaged sections, test heating units, recalibrate HVAC systems, and conduct comprehensive pressure and safety checks across all zones of the building. This work is detailed and ongoing, and we want to be certain that the building is fully operational, properly heated, and safe before students, faculty, and staff return," said Superintendent Dr. Karen Gagliardi in an email.
While crews work to get things fixed, students have been learning remotely.
"I'm all for being in class but when there's an emergency or something that's challenging, I think that's a great option," said a Yorktown resident.
Some families say are all for learning remote.
Others say it's challenging, especially when it comes to finding child care.
"My son is on the spectrum so having a random change is hard," says Jillian Lopez, whose son attends the middle school.
Officials with the district said their primary goal is to return to in-person learning February 23. However, if conditions don't allow for a safe return by then, remote learning will continue.
Read the full email sent out by Superintendent Gagliardi below:
"I am writing to provide an update regarding Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School.
Due to the extent of the weather-related pipe damage caused by the recent extreme cold, LCBMS will need to remain in remote learning through the end of this week. Our facilities and maintenance teams are working diligently to address all pipe and HVAC-related issues throughout the building to ensure that repairs are completed thoroughly and safely.
As previously shared, the prolonged freezing temperatures created significant stress on portions of the building’s infrastructure, resulting in multiple pipe failures. Crews continue to repair damaged sections, test heating units, recalibrate HVAC systems, and conduct comprehensive pressure and safety checks across all zones of the building. This work is detailed and ongoing, and we want to be certain that the building is fully operational, properly heated, and safe before students, faculty, and staff return.
Our primary goal remains returning to in-person learning on February 23rd. However, if conditions don't allow for a safe return by that date, we will continue with remote learning as our most reliable path forward. This ensures our students keep learning without interruption while we work toward becoming fully operational. We are monitoring the situation daily and will continue to share definitive updates with you as soon as they are available.
Mr. Frank Ruolo will continue to communicate directly with Copper Beech families regarding remote learning schedules and expectations.
We understand that this extended disruption is challenging, and we sincerely appreciate your patience, flexibility, and support as we work to resolve these issues responsibly and completely."
