FSU Opens Doors to Westernport Elementary School Students and Staff
May 29, 2025 10:00 AM
Frostburg State University has opened its doors to the students and staff at Westernport Elementary School who were left without a school building to use for remainder of their academic year after it suffered extensive damage from flooding that occurred on May 13. The school of 295 students and staff will utilize space on campus until June 6.
“In the wake of the devasting flood, Bobcat Nation was happy to offer our support to Westernport Elementary School,” said FSU’s interim president Darlene Brannigan Smith, PhD. “I’m proud of our staff who stepped up to quickly formulate a plan to provide learning spaces in our Education and Health Science Center for these elementary students – and dare I say future Bobcats.”
FSU’s Children’s Literature Centre (CLC), which is housed in the EHSC, will be used for office space and will also provide supplemental lessons and activities for students. Coincidentally, this year’s school partner in the CLC’s Adpot-A-School Program is Westernport Elementary School.
In addition to the spaces in the EHSC, the Westernport youngsters will also have access to Frostburg’s fields and gymnasiums for P.E and recess, and space will be reserved in FSU’s Lane University Center for student meals. Breakfast and lunch are being provided courtesy of the University’s new food vendor, Aladdin, who only just began their contract with FSU on May 23.
“So many departments across our campus should be commended for working together to make this a reality for these children,” said Dr. Smith. “Thanks go out to staff in the EHSC and CLC, Aladdin, FSU campus police, our facilities and athletics departments, our Lane Center and University bookstore, printing services and academic and student affairs.”
Westernport’s teachers arrived on campus on Tuesday for an orientation and welcome in preparation for the students’ arrival today. Students were greeted by FSU staff as well as a surprise visit from Frostburg’s mascot, Bob E. Cat.
"With the support of so many community partners and especially Frostburg State University's CLC, we are back together as a family," said Westernport principal Derek Horne. "Our hearts are filled today. Our family wants to say thank you to everyone that has made this happen. The smiles on the staff and student faces says it all, WES is loved and strong!"
Helping the community in times of crisis is nothing new for FSU. Student volunteers were called in to action on the night of the event by providing bedding and hygiene kits for stranded flood victims. The FSU Department of Athletics also provided access to campus laundry facilities for a Lonaconing nursing that was without water for four days.
“The efforts of our students, faculty, staff and administrators demonstrate the true spirit of service and all that FSU stands for,” said Dr. Smith. “We’re just so glad that something positive was able to come out of this tragedy.”