photo by: Joselyn King

Middle Creek Elementary School is the home school for many students whose families were displaced by flooding in the Triadelphia and Valley Grove communities.

WHEELING — Students in Ohio County Schools displaced by this summer’s flooding will still be permitted to attend the school they normally would under federal law.

The federal McKinney-Vento Act assures education assistance for homeless children and ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. It also mandates that homeless students have equal access to a free, appropriate public education, including immediate enrollment and transportation to their school of origin.

The act also requires schools to designate local liaisons to support these students.

Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kim Miller said she isn’t certain yet if the school district will lose students whose families have had to relocate due to the flooding. The flooding particularly affected the Valley Grove and Triadelphia communities, and students there attend Middle Creek Elementary School.

Katrina Lewis, principal at Middle Creek Elementary, has been reaching out to the school’s families, according to Miller.

She says approximately 300 students attend the school.

“Under McKinley-Vento, students who were displaced by flooding are still entitled to attend their school, and (Lewis) has done a good job of keeping in touch.”

Miller admits “it’s possible” enrollment at the school and in Ohio County Schools will be down in the fall.

Karin Butyn, public relations director for Ohio County Schools, said Amy Minch, attendance director for the school district, is planning an event for Middle Creek Elementary students before the start of the school year.

At this time, about 200 backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed.

“Both Wheeling University and West Liberty University also have reached out to us about their designating a game this year as a back to school event,” Butyn said. “They will ask those attending to bring school supplies for families in need.”

Ohio County Schools also is working with The Health Plan with plans to connect the health insurance provider with the school district’s Communities In Schools program.

“They can help us to further identify families in need as they continue to rebuild,” Butyn said.

Those wanting more information from Ohio County Schools should call the central office at 304-243-0300. The central office was also displaced by flooding, and is temporarily operating out of Steenrod Elementary School.

“Give us a call, and we can help offer insight,” Butyn said.