Fall Bash helps Woodmore Elementary heal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – November will mark the two-year anniversary of the bus crash that killed six Woodmore Elementary students.

“Pretty much we’re still in the healing process with the kids. The teachers are thriving. We are moving forward and providing great opportunities, giving students the support that’s still needed so we’re in a good place right now,” Woodmore Elementary Principal Dionne Upton said.

Since the incident, the school has been working to move forward and what could be helping are the events that bring the students, families and the school closer together in a positive way.

Gatherings like their Fall Bash which took place at the school Thursday night.

“It is our fall bash where we have food and drinks and candy and games. So it’s just a time for them to come out and enjoy each other, wear their Halloween costumes and have fun,” Community Service Specialist Tayla Scaife said.

Several kids came to the bash.

Many were dressed up like JaNyla and JaNaria Robinson.

“My name is Belle, because I’m a princess,” JaNyla said.

“I’m Rainbow Dash … I’m from a pony world,” JaNaria said.

“Woodmore is all about community and we are becoming or we’re striving to become a community school and so it starts here inside the building with the families, with the staff,” Scaife said.

“I think this is how you move forward. You continue to bring the community together. You bring families together to come out and support the schools support each other. I think this is the best way to bring school and family all together at once,” Woodmore Elementary Assistant Principal Talley Caldwell said.