The storm pushed the start of the school year back by several weeks after water from the Eno River surged into the building. Volunteers hope the temporary setup will allow students to return by the new start date, Aug. 25.
"I was pretty shocked by the fact that it hit our community," said Hector Hernandez, a parent. "Honestly, I didn't realize that the Eno River was going to be so affected by it."
The flooding destroyed 10 classrooms, school offices and other learning spaces. School officials said nearly all contents inside the building were lost.
"We were very surprised to see the river, you know, three to six feet into the school destroying, you know, 98% of everything within the building," said Tammy Finch, the director of Education and Curriculum at the Expedition School.
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In the days following the storm, donations of furniture, appliances and supplies began pouring in. The Cloth Mill at Eno River Mill, an event venue in Hillsborough, even donated space so students would have a place to learn while repairs are underway.
"Things are coming together really quickly, and it's because of our community," Finch said.
On Saturday, parents and volunteers gathered at the donated venue to move in supplies and prepare the space for the first day of school.
"It's been amazing how much the community has helped," Hernandez said.
Samuel Kamau, another parent with two daughters at the school, also volunteered his time. He said his children were eager to return to class despite the extended break.
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"It's a bit surreal because we told them we have three extra weeks of summer and thought it would be a jubilee," Kamau said. "But they were actually not happy to be missing all their friends and their teachers. So, I'm looking forward to helping out so that we can get the school back on time."
Kamau said the experience has only strengthened the school community.
"I think it's actually brought the school closer and in a stronger way," he said.
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