September 24, 2024
| Dear Members, The City of Jacksonville is mobilizing in response to the impending threat of potential hurricane Helene. In response to the safety threat posed by the storm and the City’s need for shelters: Duval County Public Schools will cease normal operations for students at the conclusion of the early release school day, Wednesday, Sept. 25. Afterschool Programs and Athletics Extended day programs will remain open for normal hours on Wednesday; however, parents and guardians will be encouraged to pick up their children early. All after school activities and athletics scheduled for Wednesday afternoon through Friday, Sept. 27 are canceled. After the storm passes, we will decide when athletics practices and contests can resume. Facilities Preparations and Shelters District teams are already preparing campuses for the storm following normal procedures. We are preparing to open shelters at the following schools: LaVilla Middle School of the Arts Atlantic Coast High School Landmark Middle School Chaffee Trail Elementary School Potential shelter guests should visit www.jaxready.com/Helene for specific shelter information. School Calendar and Employee Schedules Make-Up Days: The district will determine and announce potential school make-up days in the future. Essential personnel will be mobilized as needed for storm preparation, shelter management, and storm recovery throughout the closure and reopening of schools. Employees on normal 12-month schedules will work remotely on both Sept. 26 and Sept. 27. We trust our supervisors to lead with empathy and understanding, taking into account the severity of the storm and its impact on our team members. Employes on 10-, 11-, and 12-month alternative schedules are authorized to work remotely for one day on either Thursday, Sept. 26 or Friday, Sept. 27. Employees can select the day that best accommodates the weather conditions and their personal family needs. To clarify, for 10-,11-, and 12-month alternative schedules, you are authorized to work remotely (working from home) on one of the days. The other day you will remain at home as schools and district offices are closed. The district will determine and announce potential school make-up days in the future. A district emergency weather web page has been created. Updates throughout the storm and recovery will be posted on that page at www.duvalschools.org. In Solidarity, Tammie Brooks-Evans, DTU President Jessica Reyst, DTU Vice President |