Randolph Township schools were dismissed early yesterday, Jan. 12, due to a district-wide power outage.

At the high school, students and staff were startled when the overhead lights flickered and went out in many classrooms during third period at approximately 9:15 a.m. Many teachers were able to continue instructing, since at this stage the outage was only partial and intermittent, so some lights and projectors were still functioning, as was the school’s Internet.

Administrators quickly communicated with students and staff over the PA system, instructing students to remain in their classrooms for the time being, to keep hallways clear for safety purposes while they developed a plan to address the situation.

“I was a little worried because I didn’t know why the power was out,” said junior Turner Allen, “but I felt that the teachers really stepped up and were able to control the students in a timely manner to make sure everyone could continue with their day despite a lack of power.”

The issue later expanded into a district-wide outage, however, affecting multiple school buildings. RHS, for one, completely lost power during fourth period at around 10:30 a.m. At this point, instruction could not continue, and the administration decided the best course of action was to dismiss students early.

“It was unexpected,” said media teacher Tara Sterling about the power outage, “but I think the staff did a really good job of controlling the situation and keeping the kids calm. The students were really good and respectful despite the circumstances.”

In order to better manage the volume of students who needed transportation, dismissal times were staggered: RHS’s planned early dismissal time was 12 p.m., RMS’s was 12:35 p.m. and the elementary schools’ was 1:25 p.m. Prior to dismissal from the high school, students were separated by class; junior and senior students waited in the Commons, while freshmen and sophomores remained in the gym.

In an email communication sent to Randolph parents, students and staff, Matthew Pfouts, the director of communications, asked that parents not pick up their children from school because it would create “additional work for all of our buildings.” He also clarified that all after school activities, athletics, after care and literacy night had been cancelled.

High school seniors who could drive themselves home were dismissed from the Commons at around 11:20 a.m., while students who needed to take the bus remained in the school until everyone could be safely dismissed.

Power was restored to the schools and district at approximately 11:45 a.m., and Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) reported that the outage occurred due to a “mechanical issue at a substation,” as communicated by Superintendent Jennifer Fano in an email to parents, students, and staff.

That afternoon, RHS Principal Jessica Baxter shared an emphatic message of gratitude to RHS staff “for stepping up and helping out in various ways” throughout the day.