More than 100 students in Albemarle County are facing new challenges in a new school this year, all as a result of redistricting. A series of new redistricting efforts begins this fall, and the school system wants to make transitions as smooth as possible by looking to a school that already has a plan.
Overcrowding forced dozens of students and teachers to move from Hollymead Elementary School to Baker-Butler Elementary School this year. The move presented unique challenges for administrators.
"We have worked really hard to make sure that the start of the school year was smooth," said Baker-Butler Elementary School Principal David Cushman.
The good news is, it was smooth. "It was like a miracle that first day, everybody just fit right in," Cushman said. "It was wonderful."
Parents like Carey Hare admit there was some apprehension at first. "My fourth grader was probably the most worried about it, but the thing I told him was he had the opportunity to meet new people," she said.
Baker-Butler Elementary reached out to families during the summer to make the transition easier. Parent Sonya Allen says the school's welcoming atmosphere made the move easier for her third grade daughter. "She has been here three times already to get comfortable with the school," Allen said.
Now, Albemarle County will use what Baker-Butler Elementary learned to help with future redistricting. "Top to bottom collaboration, communication period," Cushman said. "That's what it is."
But the students have their own advice for students facing new schools and new friends. "Just be calm and don't worry too much about it," fourth grade student Dalton Hare said.
"I made friends really easily," added fourth grade student Abigail Hawthorne, "and the teachers are really nice."
But perhaps third grader Emma Liu said it best. "I would just say that you don't have to be afraid, because everything is going to be alright," she said.
Albemarle County Public Schools wants your help planning for more elementary redistricting. Two committees will explore options at Agnor-Hurt Elementary School and at schools in western Albemarle County starting in 2013. Click here for more information on how you can get involved.
