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Staff Members Shovel Snow So Learning Can Resume In Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--It's been nearly a week since a record-breaking storm dumped several feet of snow, forcing the cancellation of classes in Baltimore schools all week.

Amy Yensi has more on how some people are taking the issue into their own hands.

Mounds of frozen snow on sidewalks and streets force schools in Baltimore to close for a week.

The staff at Waverly Elementary Middle School is ready for the break to be over.

Tawanda Knight, a staff member at the school, says she's shoveling snow so they can get back to work.

Schools can't reopen until pathways are clear, so over a dozen volunteers shovel so students can return.

"The street is where my kids will be walking in and they'll need access to the sidewalks and teachers need parking," said Waverly Elementary Principal Amanda Rice.

Some worry students are missing out on a lot.

"They aren't getting learning and so that's a problem," said Jerrell Bratcher, community site coordinator, Strong City Baltimore.

The group has been out here shoveling since Tuesday, because they say the city and district contractors that are supposed to clear this snow, have yet to arrive.

"I expected them to come through here and plow a little bit more as you can see like this is literally still in the street. And there's ice here," said Derrick Reid, YMCA afterschool program assistant site director.

Other sidewalks and streets across the city have yet to see a shovel or plow either.

Greg Houston is tired of hauling frozen snow-chunks.

"I had done this on what Saturday or Sunday and some idiot in a plow came by and covered me again," he said.

That's why this community, is rolling up their sleeves, to dig themselves out.

"We need to get out and help. When you come together you lessen the work," said Principal Rice.

The group is urging everyone to help their local schools to shovel and clean up the snow.

The city is offering free meals for children at city rec-centers while classes are cancelled.

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