‘Use Any of the Books’: Florida Students at One School-Turned-Hurricane-Shelter Roll Out Welcome Mat for Evacuees
Families who are fleeing from South Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Irma can seek shelter at various schools located in both northern and central Florida. One particular school near Tampa, known as Sessums Elementary School in Riverview, is going above and beyond to welcome evacuees. The students and teachers at Sessums Elementary have prepared supplies and written notes with warm greetings for the arriving individuals. The Hillsborough County Public Schools, to which Sessums Elementary belongs, have closed down on Thursday and Friday in order to serve as shelters. Sessums Elementary School has designated itself as a special-needs shelter, as announced on its Twitter page.
The Sessums Elementary School community has diligently prepared for the arrival of evacuees. The school staff has organized all necessary supplies in readiness for both their own work and the needs of their families. This has been made possible through the efforts of Jeff Eakins and the HCPSBoard, to whom the school expresses its gratitude. Students have signed welcome messages for the incoming evacuees, expressing their relief and thankfulness that everyone is safe. Teachers have also warmly welcomed the evacuees into their classrooms, providing them with supplies and notes of encouragement.
This act of kindness helps to lighten the somber atmosphere of empty classrooms during September, a time that is typically filled with the excitement of the back-to-school season. The school’s administration, represented by Assistant Principal Laura Edwards, shared photos of the empty classrooms, expressing her pride in the compassionate actions of the Sessums Elementary School community. In addition to art supplies and games, some classes have even left out items such as tissues and hand sanitizer to assist the evacuees.
The dedication and generosity displayed by the teachers and students at Sessums Elementary School is truly commendable. Assistant Principal Laura Edwards proudly shared her appreciation for her school through social media, stating her pride in their readiness to serve as a shelter during Hurricane Irma.
For more heartwarming stories like these, sign up for Newsletter and have them delivered straight to your inbox.
