Middletown schools reopen after deadly Valley Fire

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. - Middletown took a small but important step on the way back to normalcy after the devastating Valley Fire on Monday when schools reopened for the district's 1,600 students.

It was the day that most kids had been waiting for. A time to see good friends and to get back to their jobs as students. But it was not business as usual at Middletown High School. Students went to one classroom to get some help in a time of need.

"To be honest, i wanted to come back to school. Because I don't want the memories anymore. But it's good to see my friends again. It really is. It's been so hard to be out there by yourself and not know anyone. But coming back here is a miracle," said sophomore Jessica Contreras as she fought back tears.

The class had a giveaway of donated school supplies.

About 20 percent of the school population lost their homes in the fire compared to 25 percent district-wide.

"It was pretty crazy because we could see the flames coming over the mountain and during my soccer game, I was pretty sure my house was gone, so that was pretty hard for me," said sophomore Aly Ferguson.

In another classroom, the task of learning was underway again. The mock trial team, which is getting ready for a tournament next month, needs funds to help accomplish its goals.

Senior Gracie Pachie, who is also California's High School Rodeo Queen, lost her home.

"I have to graduate in like six months for college, and college applications open on Thursday. And that's huge. And we're taking the SATs on Saturday," she said, adding that her SAT preparation materials burned up in the fire.

Principal Bill Roderick has a pile of gift cards on his desk. He says he's already given some $5000 worth away to students who lost everything.

"You can tell who lost their homes because there were three or four kids around them telling them they were sorry, making sure they were OK. You know, helping them enjoy the day. Letting them know that they'll be ok," he explained.

Roderick says he too lost his home, as did his vice principal and the school counselor and some teachers. He says this need will continue well into the future. "

We need to take care of them all year long while their families are getting back up on their feet, and in another month, we're going to have to buy them warm clothes, you know, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, because it gets cold here," explained Roderick.

The kids who lost their homes and are living elsewhere such as in Calistoga, Clear Lake and Kelseyville are getting out of class an hour earlier than their classmates to catch buses to those areas.

The buses are taking younger kids from the neighboring elementary and middle schools, as well. The smaller kids carried teddy bears onto the buses, bears that had been donated.

The school is also selling T-shirts as a fundraiser. The shirts say "#MiddletownStrong" on the front and on the back, "Adversity makes you stronger". They're selling for ten dollars, or fifteen dollars if you want the school to mail it to you.