With K-12 classes in Leon County commencing Thursday, August 10, and University scheduling on Monday, August 28, the unexpected tropical storm, now Hurricane Idalia, has begun to raise concerns on its impact on the learning cycle of this year.
As of August 28, Leon County has been put under a tropical storm watch as Idalia is now a confirmed hurricane, expected to reach a level three as it makes landfall.
Leon County Superintendent Rocky Hanna explained in a video post that schools will be open Tuesday, August 29, and closed Wednesday, August 30, as this storm is expected to have a significant impact on the area.
Florida A&M University, Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College have since announced the same school closure until further notice, with a recent update from Florida A&M University stating that classes will conclude on Tuesday, August 29 at 12:30 p.m. and resume Sept. 5 at normal hours.
Having started, this hurricane does not seem to deter the start of the school year, but more so interrupt the beginning of crucial instruction time.
For grade school participants, this means severe interruption, leading to a week without proper instruction. Interest may be lost by this time, and it may be hard to regain focus.
For collegiate students, this is a severe halt to the start of school. Classes have been in session for less than two days, many students not getting the opportunity to attend some classes for the first time till next week
Collegiate students, having a small set of months to complete a course, may take the biggest fall in this if instructors decide to start an official syllabus week next week, pushing back critical instruction which can lead to cramming multiple lessons in the time frame given.
Although there is a week given to recover from this hurricane, it is only an estimate. Depending on the outcome of this storm, classes for both grade and collegiate schooling may be pushed back depending on damages to the local areas
As of now, the impact on schooling is still fresh, and can be set to a waiting game.