Page students adapt to change

GLOUCESTER, Va. (WAVY) - Almost a year later, students from the Gloucester middle school destroyed by an April tornado are still getting used to their new surroundings.

"Through all the careful planning with our school board, it went flawlessly, it went perfect," said Page Middle School Principal Travis Burns.

Right now, the district's 8th graders are being taught in a modular school, a trailer - just on a larger scale. While they may not look like a traditional school, they certainly feel like one.

"Originally, the thinking was that we wouldn't have this (the library). That our kids would go into the high school library and have to use those resources," said Burns.

The school's librarian, Donna Lesiter, told WAVY.com most of the school's original library was sparred, including the books and shelves.

Grants funded the school's new computer lab.

Robotics teacher Rusty West said he's getting to used to having less space and resources. 

"I had a converted wood shop, metal shop building...lots of open space and lots of storage space," said West. "We get by...I used to have 25 computers. Now, I have 10. We just get by until we get a new school."

Schools officials say a new, permanent school is still years away.

"I foresee us being here another two to three years. The question ultimately remains whether we are going to build a new middle school, renovate T.C. Walker or combine with Gloucester High School," Burns explained.

The school board has a meeting on March 29 to discuss those possibilities.