Billy Joel special will air again after the abrupt cut-off on CBSWoman charged with first-degree murder for selling fentanyl to OD victim in Collier County
Credit: WINK News More schools are getting the go-ahead to open next week in Lee County, along with temporary campuses and hot spots to help with internet access. That’s just some of the important information Lee County school officials discussed during a Thursday news conference. The 13 schools that are expected to open Monday are listed below: Bonita Springs Elementary Bonita Springs Middle Colonial Elementary Diplomat Elementary Franklin Park Elementary Gulf Elementary Fort Myers Middle Orange River Elementary Orangewood Elementary Three Oaks Elementary Tice Elementary Trafalgar Elementary School Tropic Isles Elementary School The district coined those schools the lucky 13. Fifteen schools will open to students on Tuesday: Allen Park Elementary Buckingham Exceptional Center Cypress Lake High School Edison Park Elementary Hancock Creek Elementary Ida Baker High School J. Colin English Elementary James Stephens Elementary Littleton Elementary Manatee Elementary Pinewoods Elementary Royal Palm Exceptional Center Tanglewood Elementary Three Oaks Middle Villas Elementary Superintendent Christopher Bernier believes another 38 schools will get the green light to open their doors on Wednesday. Before students, teachers and staff get back to the classroom, air quality tests have to be completed in each building. Dr. Bernier said those results are one of the biggest things they’re waiting on to get kids back in the classroom. They’re testing the air quality of every school, even if it didn’t sustain that much damage. It’s one of the nine criteria the schools must meet before opening. The others include reliable water, power, air conditioning, functioning fire alarms and speaker systems. Governor Ron DeSantis came to Southwest Florida on Thursday to reinforce his message that will do whatever he can to get kids back in school in a safe environment. “Here in Lee County, under secretary Diaz’s leadership, they have worked directly with the utility companies to prioritize power restoration to the schools. They worked with the Department of Emergency Management to bring generators to the schools where those were necessary. They worked with our department of management service to provide Elon Musk’s Starlink internet for the schools. I mean, some of the internet isn’t connected yet with some of the cable companies, so you have that Starlink that can be the difference on being able to do everything. Department of Education’s also facilitated the movement of portable classrooms and classroom supplies, and, of course, our Department of Transportation has helped clear debris from bus stops, bus routes and from campuses. And, of course, they’ve done a lot more,” said DeSantis. Once the schools get cleared to open, teachers and staff will have a reunification day, then the next day will operate like an open house for students and families. They can check out their old or new classroom and get a glimpse into the rest of the school year. For the teachers coming back to the classroom on Monday, Thursday was about reunifying with other teachers and staff. On Friday, parents and students will walk through the halls, unite with the teachers, and get a glimpse into how the rest of this year will look. All teachers will have those two days before students are in their seats again. The first day in the classroom will also look a little different. The district said in a meeting Wednesday that teachers won’t jump into the lesson plan on day one. They are taking that day to gauge how their students are doing mentally and emotionally after this traumatic storm. Rachelle Resendes, a teacher at Gulf Elementary School said getting back on schedule means getting back to normal for everyone. “It’s been about two weeks, and we’re looking forward to it, you know, that return to stability? I think a lot of our families need it. I know we all do. You know, it’s great to get back in here today and see everyone together again, just sharing stories and supporting one another,” said Resendes. The biggest thing the district is waiting on to reopen additional schools is the results of the air quality tests. Superintendent Bernier said the district is waiting on the results for 68 schools. Submit Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.