Schools in the Gulf Still Struggling
Scottsdale Schools ‘adopt’ several hurricane-affected schools in Louisiana

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (October 7, 2005) – As residents in the gulf region continue to pick up the pieces after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, schools within the Scottsdale School District are going the extra mile to help the youngest victims of the storm.

The district recently announced it ‘adopted’ the Terrebonne Parish School District in Houma, Louisiana. The district, about 60 miles outside of New Orleans, had several of its 42 schools impacted by the storm. However, many of Terrebonne’s schools were spared and now more than 1,000 students from neighboring parishes have joined the district. This has created a desperate and immediate need for supplies.

“Students are without the basics, from shoes and socks to clothes and book bags,” says Maureen O’Leary, Scottsdale School District’s Executive Director of Communications and Marketing. “The stories are heart-wrenching and so many of our schools are really reaching out to make a difference in the lives of those who have lost so much.”

Copper Ridge Middle School is adopting the Grand Caillou Middle school in Houma, LA. Grand Caillou’s neighboring elementary school was completely engulfed by a tidal surge that flooded the school with almost eight feet of water. Now, elementary students have been moved into the middle school building. Desks, tables, chairs, teacher desks, televisions, computers, textbooks, workbooks, and portable classrooms are all needed.

At Saguaro High School, Director of Theatre Paul Townsend has been in close contact with several schools in South Terrebonne. The school is planning to adopt these schools and hold car washes and additional fundraisers to benefit the Terrebonne fund. Cocopah Middle School has adopted Montegut Middle School in Montegut, LA. Students and staff are working to create more than 500 care packages to send along to those affected.

Anyone in the community can donate to the fund by visiting a Wells Fargo branch and referencing account # 700 038 1660, the Terrebonne Parish Katrina Fund. All funds placed in this special account go directly to the Terrebonne Parish School District.

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