Hurricane Helene Forces School Closures Across Georgia

Hurricane Helene Forces School Closures Across Georgia

Atlanta, GA – As Hurricane Helene approaches, many school districts across Georgia are adjusting their schedules to keep students and staff safe. The storm has ramped up into a Category 1 hurricane, bringing winds of 80 miles per hour and heavy rainfall that could lead to significant flooding in the area. Expected to hit late Thursday night and into Friday morning, the hurricane is prompting schools to respond with various closures and changes.

What’s Happening in Schools?

In Atlanta Public Schools, there’s no need for students to set their alarms, as all schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday. District office employees will be working from home, so everyone is encouraged to stay safe and warm. An update will come on Friday afternoon about any Saturday activities.

Similarly, Atlanta Technical College is moving to virtual classes for Thursday and Friday, prioritizing the safety of their students. Meanwhile, Banks County Schools have also decided to close, with no students or staff in the building on those days, and all sports activities will be suspended.

District Updates

Barrow County Schools are taking a half-and-half approach, remaining open on Thursday but closing on Friday. They’ve also canceled after-school activities for Thursday. The trend of closures continues with Bartow County Schools, which will be closed for students and staff on both Thursday and Friday.

Many districts are implementing positive measures in light of the storm. For instance, Clayton County Schools will transition to a virtual learning day on Thursday, closing all schools and district offices on Friday while canceling extracurricular activities.

This has become a common theme. For example, Coweta County Schools will close their doors for students and staff on Thursday and Friday, with after-school activities also scratched off the calendar. And it’s not just the traditional K-12 systems; universities like Emory and Georgia College & State University have opted for remote work and classes on these days. Kennesaw State University and the University of Georgia are also following suit with campus closures.

Community Safety First

Floyd County Schools and Gwinnett County Schools are both closed on Friday, joining the ever-growing list. Gwinnett is choosing to operate on a digital learning day for Thursday, canceling all after-school events.

The school safety adjustments reflect a united front across the state. Schools that remain open, like Jackson County Schools on Thursday, are still canceling extracurricular activities. However, they will close on Friday, prioritizing safety as forecasts indicate worsening weather conditions.

Even smaller districts are feeling the effects of the storm. For instance, Lumpkin County Schools and White County Schools announced closures for both Thursday and Friday. Even higher education institutions like Reinhardt University are closing early on Thursday.

Our Responsibility

The community is urged to stay informed about personal safety and storm preparedness. Those whose schools have shifted to online learning should utilize these resources effectively. Remember, it’s essential to check weather updates frequently as Helene approaches, and remain indoors when conditions start to worsen.

Final Thoughts

With all these adjustments, rest assured that the safety of students and staff is the primary consideration. Keep an eye out for further updates as schools continue to monitor the situation. Let’s support each other in staying safe during this storm!