Lights Out

Thursday, near the start of B lunch, Waukee was shrouded in darkness. After a few moments, students and staff realized that something was off. The power had gone out in part of the district and the internet had gone, too. As a result, there was an early dismissal at around 1:20.

Amid the initial shock, teachers Mrs. Dale and Mr. Bossenberger gave their initial perspectives during the situation.

“It’s a little chaotic since we’re trying to keep students in the rooms or in the lunch room,” said Bossenberger. “But it’s not like it’s never happened before.”

“I feel safe,” said Mrs. Dale. “I have every confidence in our admin that they know what they’re doing, they have this area secured and all the kids are safe, and we just need to hold tight and be patient.”

Ms. Watkins weighed in on the situation as students were leaving the building for early dismissal.

Watkins explained that she thought that the power would come back on, but when it didn’t, she grabbed her walkie-talkie and waited for further instructions from other administrators.

“I wish we could have called it a little sooner because a lot of students were getting restless,” said Watkins. “It was a little tough to manage the crowd.”

Students waiting for the bus remained at the school for as long as 30 minutes after dismissal was called. There are mixed opinions on how this should have been handled.

Senior Hassan Abbood was in Spanish class when the power went out. 

“We kept begging the teacher to leave the classroom,” said Abbood. “They could have at least went door to door to tell us what’s going on.”

Senior Alek Graham was in the cafeteria as the power went out, trying to get his lunch. 

“I love that they let us out early,” he said. “They could have let us out like 20 minutes earlier or maybe even an hour earlier, but overall it was fine.”

Junior Soleye Uzamukunda was in art class when the blackout started. 

“Mrs. Dale kept us updated,” she said. “I think they (admin) did a good job.”