A.D.
I can only sympathize with you both... but DO NOT CAVE on this one. She's NINE... her friends will come and go throughout life and she WILL be fine. She's being dramatic because -- face it -- that's what WE do... (women). LOL... My husband's family moved several times and he had to go to new schools and that's just a fact of life. I'd say if you can this summer, get her involved in some of the VBS activites at your local church (near your house)... because maybe that way she can meet and befriend some people local to you... do NOT leave her at her old school just because you feel guilty... that's too much time in a car and that'd just be ridiculous when the school is right there.
I'd just let her know that you will be there for her if she needs to talk but don't bring it up again.... :) no one likes change...we get out of our comfort zones...but we all improvise, adapt and overcome. I mean, when I was a kiddo... we didn'dt have elementary, intermediate, middle and high school... we had elementary, junior and high school... and switching to a new school -- even at that level was uncomfortable but i managed... just like she will...
guilt is an evil weapon... better learn now to get yourself some thick skin...