Friday, September 30 Update
We are blessed to have a wonderful group of administrators and staff on campus today, cleaning things up and checking each classroom. This morning we completed a full assessment of our school campus. As you can see from the exterior shots, it was a water event like none other. Inside the buildings, there were some leaks in expected areas, but nothing that was extensive and certainly nothing that can’t be taken care of this weekend.
We are pleased to report that electrical power has been restored to campus, and we expect to be fully operational and back to school this Monday. If your student was scheduled to participate in a TFA activity this weekend, the coach or lead supervisor will be providing a status update. We are grateful for God’s protection over our campus and school community.
We have heard reports that many of our families are doing well and that a few are without power. We realize that many families throughout central Florida were negatively impacted and are in need of disaster relief. Organizations are already mobilizing to assist in the relief and recovery efforts following the destructive storm. This is a great opportunity for our school community to come together and be the hands of feet of Jesus. Please click on the links below to learn how you may help those impacted by the storm.
Continue to stay safe, and let us know if you need anything by contacting your divisional principal. We are praying for a safe return to campus for us all on Monday.
North American Mission Board
https://www.sendrelief.org/projects/hurricane-ian/
State of Florida Emergency Response
https://www.floridadisaster.org/sert/
Red Cross Disaster Relief
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief.html
Tuesday, September 27 Update
The safety of our students and families is our number one priority at The First Academy. We have been closely monitoring Hurricane Ian as well as working with First Orlando to form the safest plan of action.
We will follow OCPS and close school and cancel all after-school activities on Wednesday, September 28, Thursday, September 29, AND Friday, September 30. Any further decision regarding cancellations thereafter or weekend extracurricular activity cancellations will be made along with First Orlando after the storm has passed and the campus/facilities have been assessed for student safety.
We will continue to monitor the storm and will update families as necessary (via text, email, & social media) should there be any changes or further closures planned. As mentioned in our previous communications, be sure to stay tuned to a reliable weather forecast, review your hurricane supply list, and familiarize yourself with evacuation plans for your area. We have provided links to various resources below.
Most importantly, please join us in praying for all those in the immediate path of the storm. Psalm 46 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength . . . He is our ever-present help in times of trouble.” We are praying for the storm to turn, and we are planning for other potential outcomes as wise stewards (Prov. 27:12).
Helpful Links:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
Monday, September 26 PM Update
The safety of our students and families is our number one priority at The First Academy. We have been closely monitoring Hurricane Ian as well as working with First Orlando to form the safest plan of action. Assessments of the weather, the weather forecast, and road conditions all factor into the school’s decision to close. The final decision regarding whether to send your student to school in the case of severe inclement weather is that of the parent. If you are concerned that it is unsafe for you or your child to be on the road, please do not hesitate to stay home.
We will remain open for school tomorrow, Tuesday, September 27, just as all Orange County School District schools will remain open. After Care will remain open tomorrow as well. We are, however, canceling all after-school events, practices, rehearsals, and the like so there is ample time to prepare for the approaching storm.
We will follow OCPS and close school and cancel all after-school activities on Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29. Any further decision regarding cancellations thereafter will be made along with First Orlando after the storm has passed and the campus/facilities have been assessed for student safety.
We will continue to monitor the storm and will update families as necessary (via text, email, & social media) should there be any changes or further closures planned. As mentioned in our previous communications, be sure to stay tuned to a reliable weather forecast, review your hurricane supply list, and familiarize yourself with evacuation plans for your area. We have provided links to various resources below.
Most importantly, please join us in praying for all those in the immediate path of the storm. Psalm 46 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength . . . He is our ever-present help in times of trouble.” We are praying for the storm to turn, and we are planning for other potential outcomes as wise stewards (Prov. 27:12).
Helpful Links:
weather.com
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
American Red Cross
Monday, September 26 AM Update
The safety of our students and families is our number one priority at The First Academy. We have been closely monitoring Hurricane Ian as well as working with First Orlando to form the safest plan of action. Assessments of the weather, the weather forecast, and road conditions all factor into the school’s decision to close.
At this time, we will continue to monitor the storm and will update families as necessary (via text, email, & social media) should there be any changes or closures planned for this week. Be sure to stay tuned to a reliable weather forecast, review your hurricane supply list, and familiarize yourself with evacuation plans for your area. We have provided links to various resources below.
The final decision regarding whether to send your student to school in the case of severe inclement weather is that of the parent. If you are concerned that it is unsafe for you or your child to be on the road, please do not hesitate to stay home.
Most importantly, please join us in praying for all those in the immediate path of the storm. Psalm 46 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength . . . He is our ever-present help in times of trouble.” We are praying for the storm to turn, and we are planning for other potential outcomes as wise stewards (Prov. 27:12).
Helpful Links:
weather.com
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php
American Red Cross