District Enrolls Hurricane Evacuees

September 7, 2005 -- District 200 enrolled its first Hurricane Katrina evacuees Tuesday. Four students were enrolled in elementary and middle schools after relocating to Wheaton to stay with relatives. Inquiries from ten other families have been received, but the students involved have not yet shown up at school. District 200 will enroll students who were displaced by the hurricane as they arrive in the District, but it should be noted that District 200 has not been designated as an official site for students left homeless by the hurricane.

Students enrolling in the District most likely will not have school records, so they will be placed in classes according to evaluations by the school staff. Those who enroll as a result of the hurricane will not be counted for purposes of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the No Child Left Behind Act because the law requires continuous enrollment from on or before May 1 of the previous school year. These students will, however, be required to take the appropriate tests if they are enrolled during the testing dates.

Schools are welcoming the students and families coming to them from the storm ridden areas and are providing supplies, clothing and other items dependent on their individual needs. Those in the community who wish to help in this effort should contact their neighborhood school to find out what specific aid is needed.

As this situation continues to develop, more information will be available on the District's web site at www.cusd200.org .