Ida's aftermath: Upper Little Caillou students, faculty move to Houma school that was closed for years

Teachers and staff members carried boxes and moved furniture in and out of East Houma School on Friday as they prepare to start classes in the building Monday.

The Houma school, closed for years, is now the temporary home for Upper Little Caillou Elementary students, whose building was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ida.

For the roughly 400 students, it's a second move since the Aug. 29 storm inflicted widespread damage to their community and across Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

Repair and rebuild: Terrebonne schools continue to adjust in Hurricane Ida's wake

Previously, Upper Little Caillou students in pre-kindergarten through first grade went to Village East Elementary, while second through fourth grades went to Montegut Elementary.

Officials and some parents have said the move to East Houma, at 222 Connely St., will allow all of the students to attend classes in one building and will help unify the school. The Terrebonne Parish School District had recently leased the building to River Church. 

Some Upper Little Caillou parents have cited safety concerns and the distance needed to commute from their community to Houma. Driving distance between Upper Little Caillou Elementary and East Houma School is about 11 miles.

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Late last week, parents, including Katie Eschete, received photos from teachers showing classrooms being set up and heard from their children saying they are excited to all be back together under one roof. 

“We wanted what was best for our kids; we didn’t want a fight. We wanted to be heard, and we made that happen,” Eschete said. “And our kids have a nice school to call home again.”

First-grade teacher Mary Gautreaux said she’s also excited. Gautreaux said she is grateful for their time at Village East Elementary and how the school was so accommodating.

“I can’t wait to have my babies back in a home,” Gautreaux said. 

Last week, workers installed a smart screen in each classroom and heaters warmed the buildings as a cold front dropped temperatures outside. 

First-grade teacher Mysti Robichaux painted her display board and put images of superheroes on it afterward to make it look similar to her classroom at Upper Little Caillou. 

“I’m excited for the kids to have their own space, and they’re excited about coming here,” Robichaux said. “It’s important for the children to have them feel at home.” 

At the beginning of the school year, Upper Little Caillou enrolled 433 students, but that number has dropped slightly, Terrebonne public schools Superintendent Philip Martin said. 

Martin said officials have not determined whether Upper Little Caillou's school building will be repaired or demolished.

However, the choice to move to East Houma was influenced by parents who want to see all grades back together. 

“Hopefully this will bring some consistency and normalcy,” Martin said.