As schools displaced by flooding and storm damage return to their buildings, and the holiday volunteer buzz fades, communities hard hit by Sandy still face a long recovery. One student recently undertook a book drive to help an elementary school, and he collected over 400 books.

Teachers used Election Day, technically set aside for professional development, to offer help to people struggling in parts of the city devastated by Sandy.

The well-oiled volunteer network of parents involved in their local PTAs sprung into action after Sandy to put their fund-raising and outreach expertise to good use, often miles beyond the boundaries of their local schools.

An independent photographer volunteered to work at a school that is going to be closed, and in the process led to a series of portraits of students that will be displayed Wednesday night in the M.S. 571 gymnasium. Her goal was to create a project that would engage students, parents and community members in a dialogue about education and advocacy. “None of these kids chose to be in this situation,” she said about the closing school.

Educators know many kids lose interest in school in the middle years when the work gets tougher and distractions increase. WNYC’s Beth Fertig reports on how one group is trying to keep middle school students’ attention with business mentors.

What are the duties of a class parent? “I have no idea,” writes Jodi Rudoren. But being chosen by Ms. H. left her with a little thrill and a little fear. And she will be blogging about it all year.