February 1, 2012

High school and middle school students in Louisa County attended classes in separate buildings on a normal schedule Wednesday for the first time since the 5.8 magnitude earthquake last summer.

Since the quake on Aug. 23, the students have been sharing the Louisa County Middle School building on alternating schedules. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for middle school students and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for high school students.

Damage from the earthquake forced school officials to close the high school. Students moved into the new modular high school across the street on Wednesday.

"It feels wonderful," said music teacher Jelita Hopkins. "It's been really hard for students on our previous schedule, everyday was like a Friday because they didn't have to come back to school the next day. Getting back into a sleep pattern and all of the routine is going to be a lot better. Plus, a shorter day will be nice!"

The school year has been extended three weeks because of the displacement caused by the August earthquake. School officials haven't decided whether to build a new high school or repair the existing building.

Meanwhile, Thomas Jefferson Elementary students have attended classes in mobile classrooms since mid-September. The school will be replaced.