Chesterfield Elementary School Reacts To Deadly Bus Crash

By Todd Quinones

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Chesterfield Elementary School will be closed Friday and also Monday, as it was previously scheduled for President's Day Weekend. However, counselors will be on hand at the school between 9 a.m. and noon for parents and kids who might need them.

Parents held on to their children's hands as they led them away from school Thursday afternoon. One mom told Eyewitness News she was going to talk to her daughter about what happened when they got home; another dad wasn't so sure what to do about his son.

"I don't know if he knows yet, I haven't talked to him," said Dave Wainwright. "I haven't thought about it yet honestly."

Parents, who came to Chesterfield Elementary School to pick up their children through out the day, said they would think twice about putting their child on a bus following Thursday's deadly crash, which occurred just a short distance from the school. (see related story)

"Every day you think, when you put your child on a bus, you hope that they're going to be safe," said Sally Canaday.

Pete Pernice, who lives right at the intersection where the crash occures opened up the doors to his home. Many of the children were taken to his place to get warm and receive medical treatment.

"We had about 15 to 20 children in my family room. They were very upset. Some of them were hurt. Some of them left her on stretchers. Very traumatic experience for everybody," Pernice said.

Classes went on as normal during the day, but school Superintendent Ellen McHenry decided to make some changes.

"All after school activities are cancelled and evening activities, with the exception of our after care program," said McHenry.

School officials sent students home with letters informing parents that they had not been told about the deadly accident. The superintendent felt it was best that parents break the news to their own children in the privacy of their own homes.

Investigators will look to see if speed played a role in the crash. Right now it appears weather did not, and it seems the flashing yellow light at the intersection was working properly, according to police.