HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. — One year after Tropical Storm Fred devastated Haywood Central High School, students now call a former elementary school their new home.

Wendy Rogers was the principal of Central Elementary years ago.

“Based on our district membership, they were not able to keep the school open,” Rogers said.

Nine years ago the building shut its doors, but now they are back open, and Haywood Central High School students have moved into the building. 

“The world changed around us,” Rogers said.

Flooding destroyed Haywood Central High School last year. Mud still covers the walls of the school, and the water damage was extensive.

Teachers were able to save some items from the high school, like desks. Most things though, such as hundreds of books in the school’s library, were unsalvagable. 

“It’s thousands of dollars in books,” Rogers said.

Students were temporarily given the top floor of the middle school as their own until school officials could figure out a more permanent home. This year is the first time they are back in a classroom together in their own building.

“Having [a] routine is going to be a key part in their success. Being able to be face-to-face with their teacher every day, walk into a classroom and have an everyday feel is going to help them be more successful making connections, making friends, connect with the class and teacher so they can grow and learn,” Rogers said.