CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Lee County Schools will be closed from Monday, October 7, through Thursday, October 10, as a precautionary measure ahead of Tropical Storm Milton.
The announcement from the School District of Lee County conveys a message tinged with concern. As local officials declared a state of emergency, the gravity of the situation unfolds. Schools will transform into storm shelters, standing as bastions of safety during turbulent times.
The necessity to prepare these spaces begins immediately, with teams accessing the buildings on Monday, October 7, 2024. The community remains at the forefront of this decision, a collective focus on ensuring safety and support.
In a thoughtful note shared with families, the district stated:
Dear SDLC Staff and Families,
The District’s collaboration with Lee County’s Emergency Operations Center reflects the urgency they feel. As Tropical Storm Milton approaches, predictions from the National Hurricane Center foreshadow powerful tropical winds, heavy rain, and possible flooding. Residents know the storm’s power too well, recalling last year’s rainfall that left many streets submerged.
Lee County has swiftly activated several schools as shelters. The district emphasizes that their primary aim is to serve the community effectively. Teams are gearing up to ensure the buildings are ready by the time residents seek refuge. Lee County officials will specify which shelters will open as the storm nears, a moment that invites public trust and preparedness.
As a result of this evolving weather system, all schools will suspend classes, along with before and after-school programs and extracurricular activities during the closure. On Monday, the dedicated teams of principals, administrators, and essential staff are expected to report to prepare. Their commitment illustrates a profound understanding of responsibility, placing the safety of students and families above all else.
During this closure, the main District office and satellite locations will maintain regular business hours on Monday. However, business operations will cease temporarily from Tuesday, October 8, to Wednesday, October 9. Employees await further instructions, showing the district’s methodical approach amidst uncertainty. Postponing the Board Briefing and Action meeting scheduled for Tuesday is another indication that the district is keen on prioritizing community safety.
To keep all informed, families are encouraged to subscribe to School Messenger, follow the district’s social media accounts, and check the website regularly for updates. Information is key in times of crisis; it helps to ease the anxiousness that can arise during storm preparations.
In their commitment to education, the district plans to assess the current Instructional Calendar to determine Hurricane Make-Up Days, promising to work closely with the Florida Department of Education to meet all academic requirements. This meticulousness reflects a broad understanding that education continues long after storms have passed.
As the storm approaches, families are reminded to prepare adequately, gathering supplies and checking emergency kits. The vivid image of parents stocking up on essentials—bottled water, canned goods, batteries—paints a picture of community resilience amidst nature’s unpredictability.
Gratitude is extended to the families and staff for their understanding during these challenging moments. This moment of solidarity serves not just to weather a storm, but also to strengthen the bonds within the community of Lee County.
The School District of Lee County
