UPDATED:  Sunday, May 10, 2009 by Will Carter

Fair Grove Schools will now be closed Monday and Tuesday.

High School Students (only High School) will be able to pick up their personal belongings in the Middle School commons area beginning Monday at noon (not before).

Vo/Tech students will take their finals at the Vo/Tech Center on Monday and/or Tuesday.  A bus will be at the school at its regular time if you need transportation.

Graduation changes:  Graduation will now take place at Second Baptist Church at 3111 E. Battlefield in Springfield on May 17th at 3:00 p.m.

For latest information www.fairgrove.k12.mo.us.

While it may not look a lot different, it's amazing how much can change in just a single day.

"We've been through the building with the  insurance company.  The restoration company is here.  We are trying to clean up as much as possible.  We are trying to get it secure, and then we've got to make some decisions," said Superintendent John Link.

This is the second time in two months he as dealt with mother nature's fury, but he says this time preparation and some quick thinking overpowered disaster.

As the storm hit Friday, kids were hunkered down in the hall by the lockers.  Seconds later the roof ripped off.  The superintendent says he told the students to get up, and get out of the hallway as quickly as possible.   That's because large concrete blocks were falling from the wall above.

"When I looked out and saw our teachers laying on top of our kids, with falling cinder blocks, and I saw other kids laying on other kids.  Those are things you can't teach.  Like I said, it's a family thing," said Link.

Families are the very ones thanking the school district for getting their children home alive.

"Everyone of them are safe.  I owe all to the administration, the teachers, the parents that were there.  We are so blessed to be in Fair Grove.  They were all amazing," said Melody Deeds a mother of several students.

As governor Nixon toured the damage Saturday, even he noted the accomplishments of the district in keeping kids safe, and said he would push legislation to wrap up the school year a few days early.

Teacher Michelle Wahlquist says she was glad he made a stop in Fair Grove.

"I just appreciate them taking the time to come first hand, and help decide what we need to do here," said Wahlquist.

The school district says if it does close early, they will make sure students are given the opportunity to make up any final grades.

Seniors will also graduate as scheduled on May 17, although the location will be changing.

Again we want to remind you there will be no school on Monday for the Fair Grove school district.

For the latest information parents are asked to log onto the schools website at www.fairgrove.k12.mo.us.

Story ideas or comments?  Email me at wcarter@kspr.com