Students in Polk County head back to the classroom today, Sept. 19, for the first time since Hurricane Irma tore through our region.

  • Polk County students return to school today
  • Students will have access to free school meals
  • Polk Co. was hit hard during Hurricane Irma

Through the next months, all public school students in Polk County will have access to free school meals on campus. 

Polk County was hit hard during Irma and many people are still without power. Now, school officials say they are working to provide students a sense of normalcy. 

Teachers and staff were hard at work Monday cleaning up debris and getting their classrooms ready at Lakeland Highlands Middle School. Principal Telay Kendrick said they're excited to welcome students back. 

"They need some normalcy and we're ready to provide support to those students. Safety is paramount, so today, our teachers are focusing on the classrooms as well as outside to make sure we're ready to welcome students back," Principal Kendrick said. 

Lakeland Highlands Middle School had some minor water damage and several trees came down in Hurricane Irma--and other schools saw similar damage. 

Polk County school officials said the reopening of schools was also delayed due to all of the power outages across the county. Most schools now have power back. 

Officials said since students missed a significant period of class time, teachers will be sure to review what was previously taught before Hurricane Irma and make sure students are prepared. 

Hurricane make up days are typically included in school calendars, and school officials say they are working with the teachers union to schedule those dates.