After months of preparation for what is widely considered as one of the most important tests for college admissions, Richmond Hill High School students were more than ready for SAT day. Students at different grade levels were either taking or preparing for specific exams that align with their academic stage: juniors with SATs, sophomores with PSATs, and freshmen with Mock Regents. That was, until the fire alarm went off in the school on Wednesday, April 23rd due to a pipe malfunction in the cafeteria.
What once was a quiet and focused atmosphere, quickly turned into commotion as people were directed towards their nearest exit. Tests abandoned, timers ticking closer and closer towards the next modules—there were many students upset at this unpredictable turn of events.
“I would say it was definitely disappointing and inconvenient because I was doing so well [on the test],” junior Ashley Bermudez expressed. “I’m glad the test is invalid but it’s very unfortunate.” Although evacuation was a necessary precaution, it complicated the SATs and moreover potentially ruined months of preparation for the test.
Despite the cancellation of the SAT exam, school staff reiterated the importance of maintaining school protocol. “It was the right thing to do,” Mr. Love, the school’s testing coordinator, commented on the evacuation process. Within minutes of the alarm ringing throughout every classroom, the entire school was safely evacuated and left to watch the firetrucks roll in and take over for inspection. After half an hour, the issue was resolved; it was declared safe for the entire student body to be escorted back into the school building.
The entire situation can be attributed to a “malfunction of a steam pipe,” in the cafeteria, Principal Alamarie clarified in an email to parents. “Due to the [pipe] malfunction in our building, students and staff were evacuated while the malfunction was investigated.” After it was determined safe to go back into the building, the school followed a regular school schedule.
Nonetheless, the school’s administration decided to reschedule the tests for this week on Wednesday, April 29th. All respective grade levels will resume their activities from last week. For now, RHHS will focus on turning this delay into an opportunity for stronger preparation and renewed confidence.
