CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Lee Schools extend the school year by two days as a response to Hurricane Milton’s impact. Eight decades of education have faced the wrath of nature, and once again, resilience is called upon. The School District of Lee County has announced an updated schedule to recover lost instructional time after two storms swept through Southwest Florida back-to-back, reminding the community of the delicate balance between nature and education.
As of Monday, nearly all schools have reopened. Some establishments, like the Sanibel School, have temporarily relocated, adapting to the challenges that Mother Nature presents. In light of the altered schedule, educators and students will experience longer school days ahead. Early release days have become a thing of the past, as the rhythm of learning must recommence in full swing.
Commencing Monday, October 28, students will attend a complete day of classes. Following that, several other full school days will be implemented: February 24, March 14, April 28, and finally, May 29. The school year will then be adjusted to include two additional days at the end, with early dismissal occurring on June 2 and June 3, creating an adjustment that reflects both the realities of teaching and learning in crisis.
On January 6, 2025, another full day is already confirmed on the academic calendar. This date holds significance for both students and teachers alike, as they regroup after a turbulent season. The challenge lies not only in meeting the educational requirements but also in fostering a spirit of unity and determination.
See the letter to parents below (10/17/24):
Good afternoon SDLC families and staff, We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. With the valuable input from the Teacher’s Association of Lee County (TALC) and the Support Personnel Association of Lee County (SPALC), the school calendar has been revised to reflect our current needs.
To sustain instructional continuity, students are now required to attend school for a full day on:
• Monday, October 28, 2024
• Monday, February 24, 2025
• Friday, March 14, 2024
• Monday, April 28, 2025
• Thursday, May 29, 2025
• Thursday, May 30, 2025
The school year will also be extended by two days, with early dismissal on:
• Monday, June 2, 2025
• Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Please remember that due to Hurricane Helene, Monday, January 6, 2025, has already been added to the school calendar as a full day for students. For school personnel, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, has been designated as a professional duty day. Details regarding make-up days for 255-day-year-round employees will be shared later.
This new calendar is attached for download and is also available on the district’s website: Lee County Schools Calendar. Thank you again for your unwavering support in these challenging times.
The School District of Lee County
As these adjustments unfold, the community reflects on the fortitude of educators who tirelessly dedicate themselves to nurturing young minds amid unpredictability. They are not just teachers; they are beacons of stability. Local businesses, like Big John’s Pizza, are banding together to support fundraisers, providing meals to those in need, emphasizing that the bonds of community grow stronger, even when faced with adversity.
Moreover, did you know that the average Florida hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30? Time and again, the people who call this place home illustrate their tenacity. In every challenge, there lies an opportunity to adapt, to learn, and to grow stronger together.
