BREAKING: Power outage sends MVHS students home early

Students and staff released early following severe weather conditions and power outage

Aftermath+of+the+storm+reveals+a+fallen+oak+tree+in+the+MVHS+Rally+Court.

Photo courtesy of Ben Clausnitzer

Aftermath of the storm reveals a fallen oak tree in the MVHS Rally Court.

Lauren Chuu

MVHS announced a campus-wide dismissal due to a power outage on Tuesday, March 14, following strong winds and heavy rain.

The power outage occurred at 11:05 a.m., following a series of flickering lights. Students and staff remained indoors while administration checked classrooms and formulated a course of action. FUHSD sent an email at 11:51 a.m., prompting an early dismissal at noon. Students waiting on transportation were instructed to gather in the Student Union.

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning in effect until 11 p.m. Neighborhoods near MVHS were filled with fallen trees, toppled garbage cans and debris scattered across roads. Members of the fire department, police department and emergency maintenance were also seen parked along Bubb Road and Hyannisport Drive.

Prior to this event, juniors were in the middle of CAASPP testing, while other grades were preparing to arrive at school in accordance with the special schedule. For juniors, many were unable to finish testing due to the abrupt timing of the power outage, which presented technological difficulties. Junior Amanda Xiao expresses concerns regarding the power outage’s impact on students’ schedules.

“I think it’s nice we get to go home early, but it’s also annoying [for those who need to] take the CAASPP again later in the week,” Xiao said. “Power outages due to weather have happened before, but I hope the weather won’t stay this way.”

Principal Ben Clausnitzer sent an email at 3:37 p.m., stating that MVHS is still trying to restore the power and all after school activities will be canceled today.

Update: Clausnitzer sent an email at 10:55 a.m. on March 15 declaring the power has been restored and classes will be back in session on March 16.