2 schools welcome flooded-out Clarkdale students

By Mike Morris

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Clarkdale Elementary students displaced by a flood that submerged their school received VIP treatment Thursday when they returned to classes on two different campuses.

Their new roommates at Compton Elementary and Austell Intermediate went all out to make a good first-impression. They tidied up, stocked Clarkdale classrooms with supplies and welcomed them like family — hugs, hot meals and all.

“There was a welcome sign; they had quiche, fruit, muffins and coffee for our teachers,” said Clarkdale principal Marjorie Bickerstaff. “They allowed our kids to sit together and have breakfast. The schools opened their arms to us.”

When the students arrived at Austell Intermediate shortly after 7 a.m., Bickerstaff, Clarkdale teachers and support staff were waiting for them. The school officials wanted the kids to see familiar faces as soon as they entered the building so they wouldn’t be overwhelmed by their new surroundings. Crisis counselors and social workers also were on campus to help students grieving over the loss of their home school and the belongings they left behind. Austell Intermediate administrators and staff also greeted the new kids.

“They were saying, ‘Welcome to the family,’” said Clarkdale third-grader Tekoa Ray. “It made me feel good. Our classroom was really nice. It was huge.”

Fourth-grader Abbey Wade left her new school briefly for a doctor’s appointment. When it was over, she asked her mother if she could return to Austell Intermediate instead of going home.

“It was fun, you had the same people in your class,” Abbey said. “I really wanted to get used to it.”

Approximately 225 Clarkdale students in grades 3-5 were sent to Austell Intermediate. Compton Elementary School is hosting 217 students in grades K-2. Furniture, books and instructional materials from Cobb County School’s warehouse were sent to the campuses so classrooms would be equipped for the long haul. Instruction began after students took time to get re-acquainted. Clarkdale students will continue the school year with their same teachers and classmates. Bickerstaff will split her time between the two campuses, but her office is set up at Austell Intermediate.

“They’ve got my computer hooked up, they’ve got my phone hooked up,” Bickerstaff said. “We are here and we are working and the kids are wonderful.”

Bickerstaff’s assistant principal Tammy Watson is covering administrative duties full-time at the Compton campus. Though Clarkdale Elementary lost laptops, band instruments, purses and Bickerstaff’s prized 1988 Compton Elementary School Teacher of the Year Certificate in the flood, most of the student records were safe because they are maintained electronically and backed up on a network, said school officials.

A crew went into the flooded building Wednesday and was able to retrieve sensitive and financial documents.

“Some of it may be damaged beyond repair, but we were able to get most of it out,” said Jay Dillon, Cobb Schools spokesman.

Counselors will continue to be available for those kids who need help adjusting. Dillon said this has been a “very traumatic week” for students. “It’s going to have an emotional impact, especially on the really small kids,” he said.