Fairland West 5th-graders begin classes at high school after storm damage [Video]

PROCTORVILLE, Ohio (WSAZ) – The walls are covered with supportive messages that range from ‘Welcome Fifth graders,’ to ‘We are so glad you’re here.’

The first day of class in a new building feels like the first day of school for fifth-graders from Fairland West Elementary, after powerful winds ripped off the school’s roof on Tuesday, April 2. Those students will not return to their normal building for the remainder of this school year and instead will go right across the street to Fairland High School.

“We’re looking forward to having the kids in the school. We know this is a big step for them, obviously from fifth grade, but I feel like we are very well prepared in making this feel like home for them,” Class President Ben Southard said.

While the elementary students will roam the same halls as the high schoolers, the older students say there is no reason to not feel …