Schools across parts of southwest Michigan are adjusting schedules and offering support services as communities cope with both a recent tornado outbreak and the loss of a local student.
In Edwardsburg, Edwardsburg Public Schools confirmed that classes will remain open on Monday. District officials said support staff and counseling services will be available for students and staff members who may be struggling with grief following the death of Edwardsburg student Silas Anderson.
School leaders say the additional support is intended to help students process the loss and ensure that anyone who needs assistance has access to trained professionals during the school day.
Meanwhile, in nearby Union City, Union City Community Schools announced that schools will be closed on Monday as the community continues to recover from a devastating tornado that struck the area. The announcement was made just before 6 p.m. Sunday.
District officials said the closure will allow families and staff time to focus on recovery efforts after the storm, which caused significant damage and claimed the lives of three people in the region.
Despite the closure, transportation will still be available for students attending programs through Branch Area Careers Center (CACC) and Barry County Area Math and Science Center (BCAMSC). School leaders said updates regarding the district’s operating status will continue to be provided throughout the week as recovery efforts move forward.
Union City High School is currently being used as a resource center for residents affected by the storms. Beginning Monday, the center will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering assistance to individuals and families in need.
District officials also confirmed that both lunch and dinner will be served at the high school for the foreseeable future to help support community members dealing with the aftermath of the disaster. School leaders say operations are being managed on a day-to-day basis as officials assess ongoing needs.
At this time, administrators say the high school has received an overwhelming amount of donated supplies and is no longer able to accept additional donations. Officials are now working to organize and distribute the available resources to families and individuals who were impacted by the storm.
The disruptions follow a powerful weather system that swept through southwest Michigan on Friday, when at least four tornadoes were reported across the region. The storms caused damage in multiple communities, including areas in Branch County, Cass County, and St. Joseph County, leaving residents facing both loss and the challenge of rebuilding in the days ahead.
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