GREENSBORO, N.C. - The images of Greensboro neighborhoods torn apart by the EF-2 tornado will stick with us for a long time. It happened more than four months ago.
Slowly but surely, the community worked to rebuild. But three Guilford County elementary schools felt the impact the most. Erwin Montessori, Hampton, and Peeler's buildings are still closed off, and will be for this upcoming school year.
“It really didn't look like a tornado, it looked like a strong wind,” said rising fifth-grader Shania Knight, who went to Peeler Elementary last year, “I felt upset. I liked that school, I didn't want to go to no other school.”
Like many students, she finished the year in different buildings. For Peeler, that was Bluford Elementary.
“The kids were sad, and they were disappointed that we would not be able to go back to our building, but they really showed a lot of resilience through the whole thing,” said teacher Erin Whitt.
This year, they’ll be walking back into Bluford in one week. For now, teachers like Whitt are setting up their rooms.
“It was an interesting growing experience, for us, that really ended up being a blessing in disguise that we were able to come together and grow even stronger,” she said.
Principal Gradesa Lockhart says they've prepared.
“We have opportunities for parents to communicate if they have questions or concerns. I think the biggest thing now is, Bluford and Peeler families they know where their home is going to be for 18-19, and now it's just working out what is that world look like?” she said.
GCS will host open house events based on school levels this week. The first events are for high school parents and students, on Monday starting at 5:30. To find out more back to school information – click here.
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