"CK schools report one injury, only minor damage"

"The earthquake that rocked Washington Feb. 28 did not harm students or staff in the Central Kitsap School District, although one parent at Cottonwood Elementary School reported an injured knee, according to Jeanie Schulze, community relations specialist for the district. Maintenance crews toured schools following the quake to assess structural damages. Dirk Gleysteen, director of operations for the district, reported that most buildings weathered the tremor well, but that crews cordoned off some potentially dangerous areas. Three portable classrooms at Seabeck Elementary School shifted on their foundations and are closed until repairs can be made. An interior, non-weight bearing wall at Ridgetop Junior High sustained a major crack, and cracks appeared in stucco and drywall, according to Gleysteen.Students, for the most part, remained calm and followed the rehearsed drills reported Jodi Scott, director of elementary teaching and learning.In a typical drill, the principal gets on the intercom and says This is an earthquake drill, the earth is shaking, according to Scott. Students drop and cover and remain under desks and tables for one minute. In a real quake, the school generally is evacuated and checked for structural damage after shaking ceases. Most classrooms are outfitted with an emergency bucket that contains plastic sheeting to lay on the ground, first aid supplies and crayons and coloring books. Teachers are supposed to carry the bucket outside during evacuation in case students must remain outside for a long time. Students and schools typically practice an earthquake preparedness drill sometime during the year to prepare for this, Schulze said.Schools let out at their normal time Wednesday, but all after school activities and Community Schools classes were cancelled. The school board meeting also was cancelled. "

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