Pattonville High School students were released at 12:18 p.m. Monday, April 27, after a major storm system moved into the area, bringing a high risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

The storm’s intensity led to the cancellation of all sports and clubs. In some cases, conditions became so hazardous that buses were forced to stop mid-route and seek shelter at the nearest Pattonville school until it was safe to resume.

The cancellations disrupted the routines of many student-athletes, including track member Brandt Jefferson II (10), known to his teammates as BJ.

“Each day, as soon as you go to sleep on Sunday and wake up the next day, you get mentally and physically prepared as a track star,” Jefferson said. “It just threw me off, not having practice the whole day.”

Teachers remaining at the school helped move students to safety. Natalie Barge, an ELA teacher who helped usher students to the basement, said she was impressed by the students’ composure but remained concerned about the conditions outside.

“I think students handled the situation so well,” Barge said. “I knew we were safe in the basement, so I was not too concerned. I was more concerned about people in their cars and on the buses.”

Dangerous driving conditions and tornado risks developed almost immediately after the early release. Student Cora Bland (9) said the experience on the bus was unnerving as the storm intensified.

“Honestly, I was a little scared while riding in the bus because it started coming down really fast,” Bland said. “There was a lot of lightning, and it was all very big.”