Community News

Atkinson students moving to Boys & Girls Club

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 11, 2024

While 22 Henderson County schools will resume regular operations on Tuesday, Atkinson Elementary School experienced flooding during the storm, causing damage that needs to be repaired before students and staff can safely return.

The Fazio Family Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County has opened its doors, providing the club campus for Atkinson Cougars to use while the repairs are being made. Starting Tuesday, Atkinson students will attend school at the Boys and Girls Club at 1304 Ashe St. 

"We are incredibly grateful for the partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, which allows us to provide a safe environment for our Atkinson Cougars during this time," schools Superintendent Mark R. Garrett said. "The good news is that we are already hard at work fixing the issues, and our goal is to have everything replaced and the building in tip-top shape by the time winter break arrives."

While the Boys and Girls Club is in a different location, this transition allows the Atkinson family to remain together. Thanks to the generosity, the entire Atkinson school community will relocate together, ensuring that students are still surrounded by the familiar faces of their teachers, administrators, school nurse, school resource officer, child nutrition staff, and all the other staff they know and trust.

Student safety remains a top priority during this temporary transition. As in all school buildings, a comprehensive safety plan will be in place at the Fazio Family Boys and Girls Club. The school resource officer will be on campus, doors will remain locked, and the Ident-a-Kid check-in/out system will be utilized to ensure a secure environment for students and staff.

Atkinson Elementary will continue to be led by the trusted administrative team of principal Mark Page and assistant principal Andi Marshall, ensuring continuity and support for students and staff. The Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County has also announced the hiring of a new CEO, Kent Parent. With more than 20 years of experience with Henderson County public schools, Parent has an extensive background of strong partnership with the schools, ensuring a smooth and successful transition during the temporary relocation.