RALEIGH, N.C. – As Hurricane Helene approached North Carolina, Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) announced the closure of all campuses on Friday, impacting not only regular school sessions but also after school programs and day cares across Wake County. This decision was made to ensure student and staff safety due to the potential hazardous weather conditions associated with the hurricane.
Alt: School bus driving in heavy rain in Wake County, illustrating school closures due to hurricane conditions.
The closure extends to all after-school activities, including extracurricular programs, athletic practices, and scheduled events. Consequently, parents who rely on after school programs and day cares in Wake County for childcare faced immediate adjustments to their schedules. The Prime Time After-School program, a significant provider of after school care in the region, confirmed that all of its locations would be closed on Friday, further emphasizing the widespread impact of the school system’s decision.
Neighboring counties also took similar precautions. Durham Public Schools also canceled classes and all weekend facility rentals. Orange County Schools and Johnston County Public Schools followed suit, closing all school facilities. Chatham County Public Schools also announced a precautionary closure. Cumberland County Schools opted for an asynchronous remote learning day, while also canceling all after-school activities and closing the Prime Time After-School program. Moore County schools also closed, including school daycares and after-school activities. Warren County Schools were also closed due to anticipated high winds and potential power outages.
Alt: Empty classroom in a daycare center in Wake County, representing the closure of day cares and disruption to childcare services during Hurricane Helene.
These widespread closures across multiple counties highlight the significant disruption caused by Hurricane Helene, particularly for working families who depend on after school programs and day cares in Wake County and surrounding areas. The decisions prioritize the safety of students and staff, preventing potential risks associated with travel and facility operations during severe weather.
For parents in Wake County seeking updates on the resumption of after school programs and day cares, the WCPSS official website (https://www.wcpss.net/) is the primary source of information. Local news channels and the ABC11 website also provided up-to-the-minute updates on school and daycare closures throughout the region.
Alt: Parents in Wake County checking their phones for updates on school and after school program closures due to Hurricane Helene, emphasizing the importance of timely information for families.
The coordinated response from school districts across North Carolina underscores the commitment to student safety during weather emergencies. While the closures of After School Programs And Day Cares Wake County caused temporary inconvenience, they were a necessary measure to ensure the well-being of the community during Hurricane Helene. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels for further updates and to take necessary safety precautions as the weather system progresses.
