Panama City rethinks terms of St. Andrews Marina partnership. New special meeting planned
DISASTER

Chautauqua students return to school

GENEVIEVE SMITH
gsmith@pcnh.com
Cynthia McCauley speaks with students about an upcoming trip to Disney World at Chautauqua Charter School on Wednesday, November 7, 2018. [JOSHUA BOUCHER/THE NEWS HERALD]

PANAMA CITY — Like most pupils in the area, Chautauqua Learn and Serve students returned to school this week despite the overwhelming state of the Bay County after Hurricane Michael tore through the town.

“There were some that I didn’t think we’d see again but sure enough they are here today,” said Director Cynthia McCauley. “We’re probably down four or five out of about 50.”

The turnout has been a happy surprise for McCauley, who wasn’t sure how many students the school for the disabled would retain after the storm.

While the devastation has been difficult for all residents, McCauley says it is much more troubling for those with disabilities to endure.

To remedy the issue, the school is providing group counseling to the students to help them cope with the traumatic changes caused by the hurricane. One-on-one support is also being made available for those who need it most.

McCauley does not treat difficult subjects as taboo. Instead, she encourages the students to embrace the difficulties they have endured, from losing homes and items, to losing family members, and to speak openly about them.

On their first day back, the students watched Disney’s ‘Inside Out’ under the guidance of a counselor, to open a discussion about emotions.

Today, the counselor will be using art therapy to work with the students.

Chautauqua is a transitional school, where students are taught to apply life skills into the world. Before the storm, students attended lessons and volunteered and worked all around the county.

"We would have a little bit of class ... a bunch would get on the trolley and go to Glencove, get on the trolley and go to ZooWorld, get on the trolley and volunteer,” McCauley said.

McCauley also said that students would always cook for the homeless after going to the grocery store to compare prices and ingredients.

“I don’t think those things have to change,” she said. “We can still get on the trolley and go places and see if somebody needs us.”

Still, the facility has sustained damage which will cause some logistical changes. One of three portable buildings on the campus is now unusable after the storm caused the roof to collapse. Classroom items from the building were recovered, however.

McCauley credits the school’s resilience to positivity and community cooperation.

Bay District Schools has regularly supported the program, providing transportation for the students, who live in all corners of the county. Chautauqua is the only charter school in the area to have the use of the district busses.

“I cannot thanks Bay District Schools Schools enough for continuing to serve us,” she said.

McCauley said the school is currently looking to meet the needs of the community and hopes individuals within the county reach out.

“Some people may need things moved, pulled out in the yard. Anything. We can do it,” McCauley said. “Give us a call.”

Those looking to reach out to the Chautauqua Learn and Serve community can contact director Cynthia McCauley by email at mccauca@bay.k12.fl.us.