A message from Polk County Public Schools:
“Our staff has been closely monitoring the storm’s path and consulting with Polk County Emergency Management. Based on the most current forecast, we do not expect significant impacts in our area for tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 25. Consequently, all PCPS schools and offices will remain open during regular hours.
However, in light of the approaching storm, we will be canceling or rescheduling all after-school programs and sports activities. Please note that all after-school events will conclude by 6 p.m. on Wednesday. For specific information about rescheduled events, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school directly.
As the storm progresses, we anticipate that Polk County will begin experiencing rain bands and winds between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Wednesday evening. The current forecast indicates that our county may face tropical storm conditions from Thursday morning through 2 a.m. on Friday.
As a precaution, we have made the decision to close all PCPS schools and offices on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27.
This decision is driven by our commitment to the safety of our students and staff. The uncertainty surrounding the storm’s trajectory necessitates that we allow our teams adequate time to assess the condition of our campuses and facilities, ensuring they are safe for reopening.
We plan to resume normal operations on Monday, Sept. 30.
At this time, Polk County Emergency Management has indicated that PCPS school sites will not be activated as shelters. We will continue to work closely with county personnel, and we are ready to provide support as needed.
Please note that our decision to close schools does not extend to charter and private schools. We recommend that you contact those institutions directly for any relevant information.
We understand that the decision to close schools significantly impacts the lives of our students, employees, and their families. We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate these circumstances together.
For any official announcements or updates, please stay tuned for communications via automated phone calls, emails, our website and social media accounts.
As always, your safety is our top priority. We encourage you to prepare adequately and ensure your family is ready for any weather-related challenges.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation. Please stay safe.”
