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How Central Florida school districts are preparing for Dorian

School officials watching, waiting as storm approaches

This GOES-16 satellite image taken Wednesday, Aug. 28, 209, at 17:20 UTC and provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shows Dorian, a Category 1 hurricane, crossing over the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Forecasters say it could grow to Category 3 status as it nears the U.S. mainland as early as the weekend. (NOAA via AP)

ORLANDO, Fla. – As Hurricane Dorian impacts Central Florida, several schools have announced closures.

[RELATED: How to check if your child's school is closed due to Hurricane Dorian]

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News 6 contacted each school district in Central Florida to ask officials about their Hurricane Dorian plans. Their responses are below.

Brevard County

All Brevard Public Schools will be closed through Thursday due to Hurricane Dorian, including all schools and district offices. There will be no extra-curricular activities, athletics or before- and after-school childcare during this time. 

The district said it is working closely with the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center to monitor the progress of the slow-moving storm and the effects it may have on the county.

“Once it passes and we can evaluate the status of our schools, we will make a determination on when it is safe for our staff and students to return," Superintendent Mark Mullins said. "Returning to normalcy and getting our kids back in school is a priority, but there are a lot of factors to consider before we can reopen, such as assessing our schools for any issues or damage; closing, cleaning and returning shelter schools to school-ready condition; and ensuring our teachers have enough time to prepare to return."

Mullins said he must also take into account the potential for makeup days, which is a decision that will be made by the Florida Department of Education in the weeks to come.

"We will work expeditiously but will not rush this process, as the safety of our staff and families comes first, Mullins said.

BPS will continue to provide updates twice daily on Facebook and Twitter.

Flagler County

Flagler Schools officials have canceled all on-campus activities from Saturday through Monday, including any that fall under the Use of Facility agreements. School and all after-school activities scheduled for Friday, including the on-campus football games, will go on as scheduled, officials said. School officials are asking students and parents to monitor the disctrict's website for plans for Tuesday. Flagler Schools is on Facebook and Twitter.

Lake County

"All Lake County public schools and district offices will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and Wednesday, Sept. 4, as many of our schools will be used as emergency shelters. 

"We will resume normal operations once the need for emergency sheltering has passed. Updates will be posted on the district’s web site and social media pages (@lakeschools on Facebook and Twitter.) We will also send an automated phone call directly to parents and staff."

Check for updates on Lake County Schools' Facebook and Twitter.

Marion County

Marion County schools will be closed until Friday Sept. 6.

"Marion County Public Schools is working with Marion County Emergency Management, monitoring Dorian’s tracks as she approaches.  At this point, no school events have been impacted, including extra-curricular activities.  Everything is going as scheduled.  Should things change, we will let our students, families, employees and community know with Skylert messaging via phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media posts to our Twitter account (@MarionCountyK12).  We will also share this same information on our website (www.marionschools.net) and with local media outlets, including (News 6)."

Football game schedules have been modified:

Forest High at Lake Weir High will now be Thursday. Junior varsity will play at 5:30 p.m. and varsity will take place 30 minutes after that game.
North Marion High v. Palatka will now be Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at NMHS. The JV game will be rescheduled for later.
West Port High v. Dunnellon High will now be Thursday at 7 p.m. at WPHS. The JV game will be rescheduled for later.

Orange County

All Orange County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 3. and Wednesday Sept.4.

Oct. 18 will serve as the make-up day.

"Determination as to the closing of schools and district offices beyond Tuesday will be made when additional information is available," according to the school district.

Parents and students can check Orange County Public Schools' Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Osceola County

All Osceola County schools will be closed on Tuesday Sept. 3. and Wednesday Sept.4.

"While the path of the storm still remains uncertain, forecasters are expecting deteriorating weather conditions heading into next week to include sustained heavy winds and possible substantial rainfall for Osceola County," a statement from the district said. " A number of Osceola schools are needed as shelters as early as Sunday for residents in Osceola County, as well as for those Floridians evacuating from the south and coastal counties."

Parents will receive updated information from the district through robo calls and text messages.

Polk County

"Public schools and district offices in Polk County will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and Wednesday, Sept. 4, in response to Hurricane Dorian.

"School is expected to resume as usual on Thursday, Sept. 5. Please note public schools and district offices were already scheduled to be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day.

"The decision to close schools and offices was made in collaboration with Polk County Emergency Management personnel.

"​​Please be advised that the decision to close is not binding upon charter and private schools. Those schools should be contacted directly for more information.

"Again, public schools and district offices in Polk County will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and Wednesday, Sept. 4.

"All school activities, athletics and special events previously scheduled for Monday, Sept. 2 through Wednesday, Sept. 4 are canceled as well. This includes the Polk County School Board work session and meetings and Polk District College Fair previously scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3.

"PCPS employee health clinics will be open during regular hours on Saturday, Aug. 31, but will follow the same closings as all other district offices.

"We will continue to monitor news and weather reports, but at this time, school is expected to resume as usual on Thursday, Sept. 5. 

"We know that the decision as to whether to close our schools and offices has a significant impact on our students and employees, as well as their families. We appreciate their understanding and patience. We will continue to monitor weather conditions as they develop and remain in contact with Polk County emergency personnel.

"Polk County Public Schools will provide updates on the reopening of schools and offices using the automated telephone calling system for parents and guardians, as well as the district's website and social media (Facebook and Twitter). Local media will also be notified.

"Due to an expected high volume of phone calls to the district office, please refer first to our website and social media accounts for updates."

Seminole County 

"Seminole County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Wednesday Sept. 4. 

Makeup days will be October 17 and 18.

In addition, all SCPS athletic contests have been canceled through Sunday, September 8. Practices may resume as soon as schools are officially open for student attendance.

The School Board Meeting and Budget Hearing on Tuesday have also been canceled Tuesday.

"If you need any storm related assistance please call 407-665-0000."

Updates will be posted on the SCPS Twitter and Facebook.

Sumter County

The Sumter District schools was closed on Tuesday but will be in session Wednesday, Sept. 4.

You can like Sumter District Schools on Facebook for more updates.

Volusia County

Volusia County schools will be closed Sept. 3, Sept. 4 and Sept. 5.

Friday will be a normal school day, with scheduled athletic competitions and extended day programs going on as planned. All other school activities that take place on Volusia school campuses must wrap up by 6 p.m. Friday so shelter preparations can be made. All activities are canceled for Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. You can follow Volusia County Schools on Facebook.

This story will be updated as more replies are received.

You can also tune into News 6 on air, at ClickOrlando.com, and on Facebook and Twitter for everything you need to know about Dorian.


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