Five weeks later and about 2,300 miles away, Hurricane Katrina continues to affect Clayton Valley students and staff.

People have worried about relatives in the area while Renaissance students have been doing their part by collecting money from students that they will donate to the Red Cross.

“It was already set up as the first thing we should do,” said senior Alyssa Griffith, a member of the Renaissance class. “It was how we would start off the year.”

Renaissance students set up tables in the quad during lunchtime to get donations earlier in September.

“We plan on getting at least $1000,” said Griffith. “It would be great if we could make more.”

As of Tuesday, they had received $947 in donations, according to Renaissance teacher Margaret Ljepava.

For two English teachers, Carolyn Williams and Elizabeth Abbott, the hurricane hit closer to home than for most.

“I was very scared for the people there,” said Abbott. “But it’s different when your family is there. Suddenly it takes a whole new meaning to the situation.”

Abbott has a personal connection to the disaster: her family lived in New Orleans. They have since fled to places such as Baton Rouge and towns in Florida.

“I donated $100 to the CV fund and my church,” said Abbott. “After something like this, you feel like you have to do your part to contribute.”

Williams’ family also lives in the affected areas, although her case was slightly different than Abbott’s.

“I was supposed to be there right before it happened,” said Williams. “My dad kept calling me saying, ‘Come over here!’”

Williams’ family lived in Mandeville, La. Mandeville is located close to Lake Pontchartrain, which is north of New Orleans.

As a result of Katrina, Lake Pontchartrain is flooded with toxic wastes.

“The city is under sea level,” said Williams. “All you can see is bridges and water.”

Despite the confusion, Williams and Abbot managed to maintain contact with their family in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

“We knew where they were,” said Abbott. “But it took a while to reach them since the lines were either busy or broken down.”

Despite the trying situations, Williams’ family is holding up.

“They are all doing fine but they are all emotionally upset,” she said. “They have all fled to nearby states, such as Texas and Florida.”

Music teacher Mundy Viar also felt reprecussions from the hurricane, although not from family members.

“I think there is an immediate setback,” said Viar of the musical culture of New Orleans. “Music was the soul of the culture and of the place.

Viar believes music will save the town.

“But the music also has a healing role as well, like the benefit concerts,” he said.

Many towns and cities are submerged under water. Streets in New Orleans that were once crowded have been destroyed.

“Everything was once green and growing over there,” said Williams. “I can’t believe it’s all gone now.”