Schools join together to form ‘The Shelter at Castle Park’

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Kids are back at school in New Hanover County after Hurricane Florence, but some are experiencing a change of scenery.

Florence forced some schools to shut their doors for nearly a month, and others to shut their doors indefinitely.

“New Hanover County Schools experienced something that we’ve never experienced before,” said College Park Elementary School principal Maria Madison.

In the northern part of the county, three schools are joining forces, unofficially referred to as Castle Park Shelter.

“We found out that College Park was not able to keep any of their students, so we had to do some major moving,” said Castle Hayne Elementary School principal Sam Highsmith.

Highsmith says in order to accommodate College Park Elementary students, they had to send fifth graders next door to Holly Shelter Middle School, and combine certain classrooms.

College Park fourth and fifth graders will also attend Holly Shelter Middle.

“It’s kind of a learning lesson for us all, teachers and children, to adapt to change. This is what we teach them, learn to change, change is not always bad,” said College Park kindergarten teacher Nichole Murrell.

Highsmith says making adjustments to lunch schedules and student pickup were necessary, but he expects everything to run smoothly.

“Once the kids get used to the transition to the new building and new guests, I think it will be fine. I think the hallways are large, we’re fortunate, this is a very large building,” said Highsmith.

“My class is combined with another kindergarten class so we’ll have 30 kids. Today was our first day, everything has run smoothly, I think the kids are adjusting well,” said Castle Hayne Elementary kindergarten teacher Jenni Roberson.

Madison says she’s just happy her students can get back to learning.

“We all appreciate it and are very grateful. So Florence really brought in some compassion and love for each other,” said Madison.

There are some preparations still underway, because College Park Elementary School students will not return to school until Monday.

Students at Mary C. Williams and the International School at Gregory have also temporarily relocated until October 12.