KTKA

It's been four days since a fire left the 69-year-old Seneca Grade School and Junior High building in shambles, leaving behind a pile of twisted metal, bricks and debris.

"Again all I can describe-it almost looks like a war zone inside with all the twisted metal," said Brian Harris, USD 442 Superintendent.

But what you can't see in the pile is the load of books, paper and pencils used by hundreds of students.

"We take so much for granted and the little details of life and that's what's taking so much effort with everybody that's involved with this recovery," Harris said.

It's a recovery that's been overwhelming, thanks to the community.

Harris says a textbook company donated materials for kindergarten through sixth grade, while other districts like Holton donated more than 20 i-Book computers.

"With the materials we have we know that we can go ahead and give the kids for the next nine weeks the best education that they need and that they deserve," said Arminda Feldkamp, fifth grade teacher.

Feldkamp and fellow teachers spent the day organizing and cleaning a room at the former Bob's Sirloin building.

Deemed "Raider North" by the teachers, the location will be the new classrooms for more than 100 students in the third through fifth grade.

Teachers say those students lost everything in the fire, but a few things like a name plate saved by Mr. Warner as well as posters and signs will make it feel like home.

"We're just excited on Monday to get back to school," Harris said. "I know the students will be ready and it's going to be an exciting day in the Nemaha Valley School District."

Fire officials have listed the cause of the fire as undetermined and estimate the damages at $5 million.