Superintendents and Principals,
We are closely monitoring the wildfires impacting communities across South Georgia and the disruptions they are causing for your schools, staff, and families. During times like this, our focus is on supporting you in maintaining safety, continuity, and stability for your students.
We recognize that each district’s needs may be different depending on the impact of the fires. Our team stands ready to assist, and we are sharing the following resources and points of contact to support your local response and recovery efforts.
Resources to Support Students, Staff, and Families
The Office of Whole Child Supports continues to identify quality resources to support teachers, students, and their communities during this time. Below are a few links to helpful content.
Helping Families Find Supports:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency:
- Ready.gov/wildfires – provides links for individuals dealing with wildfires (insurance filing, air quality, Red Cross shelters, etc.)
- Wildfire Actions – lists FEMA’s responses to wildfires, including locations, current activity, and local resources
- Georgia Forestry Commission – posts current wildfire status and fire weather forecasts
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline – the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling; call or text 1-800-985-5990
- EPA – Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality
Helping Schools Reengage in Learning:
- Center on PBIS: Supporting Schools During and After Crisis
- Back to School After Disruptions (English | Spanish)
- Returning to School During and After Crisis
Helping Students Deal with Trauma and Loss:
- Psychological First Aid for Children, Parents, and Other Caregivers After Natural Disasters
- Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators
- Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) courses available to schedule
- Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) courses available on demand:
Assessment and Accountability Support
Districts impacted by the fires are encouraged to contact their assigned Assessment Specialist, and our team will work closely with you to adjust your local testing calendar and provide support for any testing issues that arise due to closures or disruptions.
School Nutrition Guidance
School meal service may continue during an unanticipated school closure, but GaDOE approval is required in advance. If no virtual learning is offered, meals operate under the Seamless Summer Option (SSO); if virtual learning is in place, meals may continue under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). In all cases, meals must meet federal requirements and can only be served on scheduled school days (no weekends).
School nutrition emergency assistance resources are available on the School Nutrition Emergency Assistance page of the GaDOE website. For additional information or assistance, School Nutrition Directors should contact their assigned Area Consultant.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if there are additional ways we can support your district during this time. We are grateful for your leadership and for the stability you’re providing for your students, staff, and communities under difficult circumstances.
Sincerely,
Richard Woods
State School Superintendent