Hurricane Milton Update
Thursday, October 10 Update
Early this morning, I walked the campus with Will Cohen, Assistant Head of School for Campus Operations. We were thankful to see that the power was on, there were no substantial areas where water intrusion was evident, and there were only a few branches on the ground. At the same time, our hearts were heavy for those who experienced the most severe storm conditions across our state. Please join me in praying for those communities and families.
We have a wonderful team who will be making sure the classrooms and campus are ready for a safe reopening. We expect to be fully operational and back to school on Tuesday, October 15. If your student was scheduled to participate in a TFA activity this weekend, the coach or lead supervisor will provide 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 some 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 unite and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Please click on the links below to learn how you may help those impacted by the storm.
Please continue to stay safe and contact your divisional principal if you need anything. We are praying for a safe return to campus on Tuesday.
Here are a few organizations that are actively assisting those in need.
North American Mission Board
https://www.sendrelief.org/2024-hurricane-response/
State of Florida Emergency Response
https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/Hurricanemilton/
Red Cross Disaster Relief
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief.html
Steve D. Whitaker, PhD
Head of School
Tuesday, October 8 Update
As Hurricane Milton approaches the Central Florida area, we want to provide an update regarding The First Academy’s schedule adjustments.
School Closure & Schedule Changes
As communicated earlier:
- Tuesday, October 8: The school day and all after-school activities will continue as scheduled but will conclude by 6:00 PM.
- Wednesday, October 9 & Thursday, October 10: The school will be closed, and all after-school activities are canceled.
Remote Learning Day for TFA Five-Day Students – Friday, October 11
In place of the previously planned half-day, we have designated Friday, October 11, as a Remote Learning Day for TFA Five-Day Students, and the Preschool will be closed. Please find detailed expectations below. All students will be marked as Present for the day, and the campus will be closed to students, faculty, and staff. No students should come to campus. Please be aware that power outages due to the storm may limit teachers’ ability to respond to parents and students.
- Monday, October 14, will remain a student holiday and a Professional Development Day for faculty and staff.
- Classes are expected to resume on Tuesday, October 15.
Divisional Expectations for Remote Learning Day (October 11)
Lower School:
- Teachers will send home instructional packets, including directions for the day, with students on Tuesday, October 8.
- The planned activities for Remote Learning Day will reflect what was initially scheduled for the half day.
- Students are encouraged to spend time on AR reading and preparing for upcoming assessments.
Middle School:
- Students should use this time to ensure that all class assignments are up to date and prepare for upcoming tests or quizzes.
- Teachers may be available to answer questions via email (pending power outages).
Upper School:
- Students should ensure that their class assignments are current and review for next week’s Q1 assessments as listed in FACTS/Canvas.
- Teachers will:
- Post assignments or review materials for upcoming Q1 assessments on Canvas/FACTS.
- Specify the lessons students should review.
- Be available via email to answer questions (subject to power outages).
The First Hope & The Classical School
Directors of these divisions will communicate with families regarding the expectations for Friday, October 11.
Extension of Quarter 1
We are extending Quarter 1 by one week due to the storm. The official end date for Quarter 1 is now Friday, October 18. The updated schedule is as follows:
- Quarter 1 will now end on Friday, October 18 (total: 43 days).
- Quarter 2 will begin afterward and will last 40 days.
- Report Cards will be posted in FACTS for parents by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, October 23.
- Lower School deadlines:
- AR Deadline has been extended to Wednesday, October 16.
- Grade Level Math and Sword of the Spirit Deadlines have been extended to Friday, October 18.
Please stay safe, and thank you for your understanding as we make these necessary adjustments. Please contact your divisional principal if you have any questions.
Monday, October 7 Update
The safety of our students and families is one of our highest priorities at The First Academy. We are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and working with First Orlando to form the safest plan of action.
Based on the current forecast, all after-school activities for tomorrow, October 8, will proceed as scheduled but must conclude by 6:00pm. We will follow OCPS and close school, and cancel all after-school activities for Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10. First Orlando church activities will be canceled, and the offices will be closed during this same time period.
We are planning to resume school on Friday, October 11. Any further decisions regarding school closure and 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 provide families with updates through available communication methods, including text, email, and social media –Facebook and Instagram.
Please 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 storm’s immediate path. Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Helpful Links:
https://www.floridadisaster.org
https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
Sunday, October 6 Update
The safety of our students and families is our number one priority at The First Academy. We are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and 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.
We will continue to monitor the storm and update families as necessary (via text, email, & social media) should any changes or closures be planned for this week. Please 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 storm’s immediate path. Psalm 46 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength . . . He is our ever-present help in times of trouble.”
Helpful Links:
https://www.floridadisaster.org