Covering Katrina's Youngest Victims

The Mississippi Department of Education reports that Hurricane Katrina has impacted 271 schools in 44 districts, representing nearly 160,000 students. As of September 15th, they've enrolled over 5,000 displaced students. At least 24 schools were severely damaged or totally destroyed. Another 280 schools across the state reported damages, 75 percent of those having major damage.

"It was a big storm. The tornado hit my momma's house, and now it's gone," said a 5-year-old victim in a small wavering voice. The Greenwood Commonwealth reports: "Sister Carol Seidl has braced for the moment when the new children - evacuees from Hurricane Katrina - under her care realize their lives have been swept away. 'Right now it's an adventure for them. They have new clothes, new friends and new supplies,' Seidl said. 'But after a while it's going to wear off and they're going to ask, "Where's my old friends and where's my old school?'"

According to the Scott County Times, "Some of (the children) were hesitant about starting in a new school but they appear to be adjusting well. Our students are really helping them in any way they can," said counselor Lynn Atkison, who said she checks on the students regularly."Some were crying when they arrived, but the local students have really helped and have been accepting. Some students here would say they'd be their buddy," Atkison said.