There was a lot of excitement in Chetek on Thursday, all because of a tour of a school. Next year, kids from Weyerhaeuser will go to school in Chetek. And while that means some changes, most of the kids we talked to say they're looking forward to it.

As Weyerhaeuser buses, filled with anxious students, filed into the Chetek parking lot on Thursday, students were met with cheers and applause from their soon to be new classmates.

"I think it'll be a lot of fun going to a different school and getting to know other people."

"I met a few new friends already."

Weyerhaeuser students who got their first glimpse of their new school say it will be a change.

“I'm just a little confused because the school is so much bigger than Weyerhaeuser."

"It's new and different but I'm excited."

It's been a rollercoaster of emotions for students and parents in Weyerhaeuser and Chetek during the consolidation talks. But now that the decision has been made, it's something everyone will eventually get used to.

Rhonda Coggins, principal of Weyerhaeuser, says, "Of course everyone is sad. They don't want to see a school close, but they also realize this is the reality we're facing right now."

Chetek High School Principal Larry Zeman says it's been a long process, but now the schools can move forward. He says students will see a lot benefits.

"With all the extra students we'd be able to probably have more classes and have more experiences."

Zeman says the schools are getting $11 million over five years from the state to help fund the consolidation process. He says some of the state money will help with transportation costs so no student has to sit on the bus for more than an hour as they travel to and from school.

After today it looks like students are riding high, looking forward to a new year, a new school, and new possibilities.

Principal Coggins says right now the schools are asking for volunteers to form committees that will help make decisions on transportation, staffing and curriculum, what to do with the Weyerhaeuser building and what the new mascot should be. One student says her suggestion is the “wild-dogs”.