NEWS RELEASES 2005-06

NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL DISTRICTS PREPARED TO ENROLL STUDENTS FROM STATES HIT BY HURRICANE KATRINA

Students from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina can enroll immediately in North Carolina public schools if they are now being housed in North Carolina, according to State Superintendent June Atkinson.

Initial information on how to enroll these students, most of whom may not have immunization or school records available to them, was provided last week to local school district superintendents, principals and finance officers. A handful of local school districts have indicated that they have already enrolled some students who are now in North Carolina because their homes are severely damaged or destroyed.

"Our first priority is to welcome these students and their families," said State Superintendent Atkinson. "Whether they have paperwork or records, North Carolina local school districts can enroll these students and allow these young people to continue their education uninterrupted. North Carolina has suffered from hurricanes in past years, and we know that going back to school can be a very helpful return to normal life."

Families who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina and with questions about enrolling in North Carolina public schools are encouraged to call the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, Office of the State Superintendent, 919.807.3441, or the NC DPI Communications Office, 919.807.3450.