Chapman schools prepped for opening
District adopts use of mobile classrooms
5:55 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2008
Chapman — Members of the Chapman School District flipped through papers this morning and moved forward with a plan to open schools on time.
School buildings were demolished after a tornado swept through the city last month, leaving only piles of rubble and a heap of problems for the district to solve.
“I think the most important thing is to let our students and our patrons know we’re having school in Chapman,” said Tony Frieze, superintendent for the Chapman school district.
Frieze says the school is prepared to open on August 18, but, “It’s going to be a challenge, but without a doubt, we’re going to make it.”
Photo Gallery
Chapman Tornado Damage
The night of Wednesday, June 11, was a destructive and deadly one for the small Dickenson County town of Chapman. Have a look at the damage in these photos sent in to 49 News.
An empty foundation is where one brick school building stood here in Chapman. The school district has opted to using 24 mobile units to replace their classrooms. Students, however, have mixed feelings about this option.
“We’re going to do it in trailers, brand new trailers. I hope they’re shiny,” said Madeline Elliot, a 7-year-old elementary school student.
“I’m just worried that we won’t have an auditorium for some of the big programs for band and choir and everything,” high school junior Kristen Harris said.
“Me and my friends are all pumped for trailer school. We’re not even calling it school, we’re calling it ‘trailer,’” says Christian Davis, prepping for senior year at Chapman High School.
And what about those upset by the trailers?
“They’re going to a different school. But school isn’t the building. It’s like the community,” says Davis.
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