The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey’s destruction has reached Frisco as many students have enrolled in the district as a result of their damaged Houston-area schools. Among those, 14- year-old freshman Britani Chestnut who is staying with her sister while her family tries to rebuild their life in Rockport.

“The hurricane has affected me in many ways, leaving stuff behind, my friends, my church, and my school. It was a rude awakening,” Britani said. “I wasn’t accepting it and neither was anyone else.”

Estimates of Harvey’s damage range up to $180 billion with its destruction taking its toll on Houston area schools with 53 of Houston’s  severely destroyed and 22 of those not reopening for months.

This led to 215,000 students missing at least several days of school, with some temporarily enrolling in other in schools around Texas including 11 enrolling in Frisco ISD.

“I spent two of my last weeks of summer here with family and stuff,” Britani said. “It is hard, a lot harder than I thought it would be. I will only stay for as long as I have too. I really want to go home honestly.”

The transition to a new school can be hard for students, but it can be even more challenging to make a move after the school year started. However, biology teacher David Mechell says Britani is handling things well.  

“I think she is adjusting very well,” Mechell said. “Working very hard, super polite and respectful.”

Bobby Chestnut and Kathy Jenkins, Britani’s father and step-mother are now in Rockport trying to rebuild their home and their life.

“Our home was damaged pretty bad, with major roof damage which allowed water to saturate the interior,” dad Bobby Chestnut said.

Shortly after the full extent of Harvey’s impact was realized, Frisco ISD established a donation site to help people like the Chestnut family.

“It took 14 days to get water and electricity,” Jenkins said. “There have been many volunteers to help out from New Mexico, New York, Connecticut, and even Canada.”