Remote learning, new campuses for students as Puyallup junior high stays closed
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Ferrucci Junior High will be closed until May 1 after an April 4 fire.
- Seventh and eighth graders will use remote learning from April 20 to May 1.
- Ninth graders will attend classes at Emerald Ridge High and Glacier View Junior High.
A Puyallup junior high school damaged by fire will be closed until at least May.
According to a Tuesday news release from the school district, Ferrucci Junior High School will be closed until May 1 while staff investigate the building’s condition after a fire on April 4.
The News Tribune previously reported the district’s April 8 announcement that school wouldn’t be in session April 13-15. The district was on spring break last week.
Now, the cancellation extends to the rest of this week, and students will either engage in remote learning or go to different schools in the district from April 20 to May 1.
“Following the completion of the fire investigation, it has been determined that full personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to safely access the building. As a result, PSD staff and restoration crews have not yet been able to enter, and we are still awaiting air quality results,” the release said. “Further assessment has also identified the need for a comprehensive post-incident environmental study. This testing will help determine whether any surface contamination or air quality concerns exist beyond the immediate area of the fire and ensure appropriate remediation can take place.”
The district said the building’s new addition and all classrooms on the main floor are “significantly compromised.”
“Due to the volume of smoke in the commons and extensive fire and water damage throughout the building, we are unable to safely contain impacted areas and reopen any portion of the school. In addition, we must secure proper permitting before re-entry is allowed for staff or students,” the release said. “Due to the scope of restoration and cleanup needed, the building will not be usable for the remainder of this week and for the following two weeks.”
The News Tribune reached out to Brianna Stenstrom, spokesperson for Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, to see if it has determined a cause of the fire but did not receive a response. In an April 9 email to The News Tribune, Stenstrom said the investigation was ongoing, but “it is more probable than not that the cause was a failure in the emergency power battery backup system.”
In the release, the school district said 7th and 8th grade students will engage in remote learning from April 20 to May 1, while 9th graders will have in-person classes at Emerald Ridge High School and Glacier View Junior High School.
“While remote learning is not ideal, we are committed to maintaining learning continuity while prioritizing student safety,” the release said. “... Student schedules, 9th grade transportation, and additional details are being finalized and will be shared no later than Thursday, April 16.”
The district said it would have a virtual forum to answer questions on Thursday at 6 p.m. Residents can submit questions in advance using a form.
The meeting will be recorded and made available on the district website, the release said.
To learn more, visit www.puyallupsd.org.
