Recently, Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) decided to close school from Monday, October 7 through Wednesday. Oct. 16, 2024 due to Hurricane Milton. Speculation has now emerged regarding how the county planned to resolve the eight days’ worth of missed hours.
Hurricane Helene, just shy of two weeks before Milton, closed HCPS from Wednesday, Sept. 25th, to Friday, Sept. 27th. In the period between Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the county replaced two non-student days, Monday, Oct. 14th, 2024, and Monday, Jan. 6th, 2025, with school days. Monday early release days were also removed from Oct. 21st through Dec. 16th. However, because of Hurricane Milton, school was canceled on Oct. 14th.
On Wednesday, Oct. 23rd, the county released its revised Student Academic Calendar.
“I hope this message finds you well. We know you have been waiting for information on our make-up days after missing time due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” Superintendent Van Ayers said.
You can view the full calendar here, however, here are some important notes:
- There will be no first-semester exams (with some possible exceptions)
- The end of the second grading period is now Thursday, Jan. 16th, 2025
- Robinson High School is a West County School. West County students will not attend school on Friday, Feb. 14th, 2025, for Florida State Fair Day, although, Monday, March 3rd, 2025, Strawberry Festival Day, West County students will attend school.
“I encourage you to take a close look at the attached calendars,” Ayers said.
With hurricane season approaching its end, hopefully, no more major storms will disrupt the new schedule, and schools will continue instruction as planned.