Hurricane Helene Update

Update: Returning to class after Hurricane Helene

Updated Sept. 30, 2024, at 10 a.m.

There’s no doubt that Hurricane Helene has had devastating impacts across the state. As the majority of students, families, and staff are back online today, FLVS understands the last few days have been difficult for many. 

Support for Students and Families

Natural disasters can be especially traumatic for children. Students often look to the significant adults in their lives for guidance on how to manage their reactions. Parents, teachers, and other caregivers can help children and youth cope by remaining calm and reassuring them that they will be alright. Immediate response efforts should emphasize teaching and reinforcing effective coping strategies, fostering supportive relationships, and helping children understand their reactions. 

Here are a few tips from the FLVS Student Services team:  

• Talk about the storm in clear, concrete ways. Children are often unable to process more abstract thinking, so simple and straightforward responses are often the way to go. 
• Stick to a regular routine as much as possible; however, remain flexible when needed for assignments, projects, and tests.  
• Provide a listening ear if the student wants to talk to express their fears. Please encourage them to speak with their parents as well.  
• Encourage students to practice coping strategies, including deep breathing, reading a favorite book, listening to calming music, guided meditation, drawing, etc. 
• If a student needs additional support, please reach out to their teacher or complete this self-referral form. 

Support for Staff

While conditions have improved over the last couple of days, we know that many members of the FLVS staff continue to be seriously impacted by localized flooding or extended power outages. Any team members who continue to face significant challenges should connect with their supervisor. 

This week will look different for every team member, and FLVS encourages them to consult the additional resources below as they and their families recover from the impacts of the storm. 

• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available 24/7 for counseling and support. It offers a wide variety of services to help address any needs team members or their family members may have.  
• For general information, visit http://FloridaDisaster.org/Info  
• In need of disaster assistance, visit http://DisasterAssistance.gov  
• To donate, visit http://Volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/ 
• To volunteer, visit http://Volunteerflorida.org 

We will continue to monitor storms and provide information as needed. Thank you. 

Update: FLVS operations resume tomorrow, Sept. 30

Updated Sept. 29, 2024, at 12:45 p.m.

There’s no doubt that Hurricane Helene has had devastating impacts across the state and beyond. While FLVS will resume normal operations tomorrow (Monday, Sept. 30), many students, families, and team members across the state continue to experience localized flooding and/or extended power outages. For many, the recovery process will not be easy or swift.

FLVS and FlexPoint Virtual School Students

Families who are affected should notify their teacher(s) as soon as possible to ensure their students’ enrollment is not impacted.

Please note, teachers are located throughout the state so there may be delays in responding. If a student’s teacher was impacted by the storm, families will be notified of a temporary point of contact so they may continue working in the course.

All Staff

Team members who have not already done so, should connect with their supervisor today to let them know whether they are safe and able to return to work tomorrow. Supervisors will work with staff to provide additional support, as needed. 

Additional information will continue to be posted here as it becomes available.

Stay safe.

Update: FLVS to close due to Hurricane Helene

Updated Sept. 24, 2024, at 1:45 p.m.

Florida Virtual School will be closed Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept 27. 

Hurricane Helene is projected to make landfall along the Gulf Coast Thursday. FLVS will continue to monitor the storm closely as the safety of students, families, and staff is a top priority. 

As the storm approaches, please do whatever is needed to remain safe and follow the guidance of local authorities. Monitor local news and weather conditions. For the latest storm information, visit the National Hurricane Center website.

FLVS and FlexPoint Virtual School Students and Families 

Students are not expected to work during the closure; however, courses will still be available for those who want to continue working. The Help Desk will also be available. 

Students are encouraged to reach out to their teachers upon their return with any questions.

All Staff

Florida Virtual School will be closed Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept 27. Team members should stay in close communication with their supervisor throughout the storm. It is especially important for team members to notify their supervisor if they are evacuating and/or are unable to return to work Monday when normal operations are expected to resume.

Stay safe and thank you.

Update: Annual Professional Learning Conference (APLC) canceled due to anticipated storm

Updated Sept. 23, 2024, at 4:45 p.m.

Out of an abundance of caution, the FLVS Leadership Team has determined that the Annual Professional Learning Conference (APLC) this week must be canceled.

As the storm approaches, please do whatever you need to do to remain safe and follow the guidance of local authorities. If you are being evacuated or feel you need to move to a safer location, please do so, and notify your supervisor.

Updates will be shared on this page as they become available. 

Update: Florida Virtual School is monitoring the storm

Updated Sept. 23, 2024, 11:30 a.m.

Florida Virtual School is closely monitoring the storm, Tropical Cyclone Nine, which, as of today, is projected to impact the western coastal areas of Florida. 

As you know, there are a number of in-person events scheduled this week, including our Annual Professional Learning Conference (APLC) from Wednesday, Sept. 25-Friday, Sept. 27.

Based on storm forecasts, we are assessing our options for APLC. We will send an update this afternoon with information on the event. 

Please do whatever you need to do to remain safe and follow the guidance of local authorities. Continue to check this page for updates as they become available.