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More than 5,600 now in Ga. schools

The number of Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Georgia schools continues to grow. As of Friday at 4 p.m., school systems reported that there are 5,642 evacuee students in Georgia public schools.

"The scope of this tragedy is unprecedented, but the response of Georgia's schools has also been unprecedented," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. "Our schools are taking in these children, educating them and caring for them. I am very proud of how our educators and our students have responded."

It's not clear how many more students will be enrolling in Georgia's schools, but Cox said the state is committed to educating each and every one of them.

"We will continue to throw open our school doors to these children, whether they are with us for two weeks or two years," she said.

Cox complimented the many public and private efforts being undertaken throughout the state to help the evacuees.

One student-focused effort is being coordinated by an Atlanta radio station that is collecting backpacks filled with school supplies and gift cards for clothing. Q100-FM's The Bert Show will be collecting the backpacks at four different drop-off locations next Tuesday. For more information, go to www.allthehitsq100.com/calendars/psa/katrina/kids/.

Assistance can also be provided through the Red Cross, the United Way or other relief agencies.

“And there’s nothing wrong with picking up the phone, calling your local school and saying, ‘how can I help?’” Cox said. "More than ever, our schools need the community to get involved."

For more information on Georgia's Education Response to Hurricane Katrina go to www.gadoe.org.