At Cardozo High School, students have experienced all types of weather during the school year; from sunny, cloudy and even rainy weather. However, students had never experienced a rain like this. On September 29, 2023, a rainstorm hit the tristate area of New York City. Beginning in the morning, rain poured all day long, remnants of a tropical storm. Parts of New York City received 8.65 inches of rain, making it a record-breaking rainfall for the city. Many students at Cardozo High School had a difficult time coming to school, as some expressways were full of traffic, car drop offs were difficult due to the immense car traffic in front of the school, and many busses were delayed or cancelled. This caused many students to arrive late to their first class of the day.
Throughout the day, the rain did not stop. Amber alerts were sent out to students and staff’s phone’s, alerting everyone about the flash flood approaching the area, issuing travel warnings and bans. The rain made the school day extremely difficult. Some students were uncomfortable walking around the halls with wet clothing and slippery shoes. “I stepped in one of the puddles that were outside the building, my shoes and my socks are wet. I don’t know what to do,” shared one student. Some students also wore flare leggings, wide jeans, or boot cut jeans, which had since been soaked all the way up to the knees due to the storm.
By mid-afternoon on Friday, Cardozo staff and students were informed that an area in the Annex basement was flooded. Due to the flooding, students had to take a different path to get to their assigned classes in the Annex. Some classes were moved to other classrooms, to avoid the area. At around 1:25 p.m., a message from Cardozo’s Principal Colby was sent out to everyone on the loud speaker. “Due to the weather and the flooding that has hit our area, I am now issuing a shelter-in,” Principal Colby announced on the loudspeaker.
During shelter-in, everyone is ordered to stay inside the vicinity that they reside in; no one may leave nor enter the building. However, business can be conducted as usual and classes can proceed. Students who ended their school day after 7th period were asked to stay in the cafeteria. At around 2:00 p.m., another message from Principal Colby was sent to all staff and students. “Attention everyone, this is Principal Colby, I am lifting the shelter-in, everyone who finished after 7th period may now exit the building. Those who still have classes may leave after 8th period. I hope everyone stays safe during this time, whether you are taking car, bus, or train, please stay safe and be careful. I wish everyone a wonderful weekend,” Principal Colby announced via the school’s loudspeaker.
After the shelter-in was lifted, students were able to get back home. Though traffic still stood in the way, and the puddles in the streets, with the help of umbrellas and hoods, students could (for the most part) stay dry under the rainstorm.
