Last September, I was standing in my empty classroom at 6 PM on a Sunday, frantically laminating math centers while the news droned on about a Category 2 heading our way. My husband Carlos walked in with coffee and that look that said "you're doing too much again, mija."

"The kids might not even be here this week," he said gently.

But that's exactly why I was there. Because when you teach in Florida, hurricane prep isn't just about boarding up your house. It's about preparing for the emotional and academic storm that follows.

The Sunday Before the Storm

After 22 years of teaching through hurricanes, I've learned that the Sunday before projected closures is sacred time. Not for the frantic copying I used to do (ay, dios mío, I wasted so many Sundays that way), but for smart preparation.

Here's what actually matters: Pack a "hurricane recovery box" for your classroom. Mine includes extra tissues, granola bars, coloring pages, and simple math manipulatives. Trust me, the week we return, your carefully planned lessons will go out the window anyway.

I also send home what I call "storm packets" now. But these aren't the 20-page monsters I used to create that stressed out families who might not have power for a week. Instead, I include one reading book, a simple journal, and basic supplies in a gallon Ziplock bag.

The note I attach says: "Stay safe. Read when you can. Write about your experience if you want to. We'll share stories when we're back together."

When the Kids Are Scared

The hardest part isn't the logistics. It's little Emma asking if her trailer will blow away, or José worried about his dad who works construction and can't afford to miss work.

I learned early in my career that honesty beats false cheerfulness every time. We talk about hurricane safety in simple terms. We practice our "hurricane breathing" (deep breaths like the wind). And we make plans.

"When we come back to school, we're going to share our stories," I tell them. "The scary parts, the boring parts, and maybe even the fun parts."

This gives them something to look forward to and helps them process what's happening as it unfolds.

The Waiting Game

Hurricane days are weird for teachers. We're not really off, but we're not really working either. The first few years, I drove myself crazy trying to plan lessons for an unknown return date.

Now I know better. Use this time to rest, because the recovery period will drain you more than you expect.

If you absolutely must do something school-related, organize your digital files or plan some comfort activities for when you return. But mostly, take care of yourself and your family.

The Real Challenge: Coming Back

Here's what they don't tell you in professional development: The first week back after a hurricane is unlike anything else in teaching.

Some kids will bounce in like nothing happened. Others will be clingy, weepy, or angry. You'll have students who had adventures (camping in the living room was fun!) and others who experienced real trauma (watching their neighbor's roof peel off).

Your lesson plans need to be flexible, comfort-focused, and emotionally responsive.

Creating Safe Spaces for Stories

That first day back, I always start with circle time. We share our hurricane stories, but with structure. I use a simple format:

• One thing that was hard
• One thing that was okay or good
• One thing you're glad about now

This helps kids process without getting overwhelmed by just the scary parts. And honestly, some of their stories will break your heart while others will make you laugh until you cry.

Last year, Marcus (not my son, my student Marcus) told us his family played board games for three days straight. "It was like the hurricane made my dad remember he likes us," he said with perfect 9-year-old logic.

Academic Recovery Without the Panic

Yes, we lost instructional time. Yes, the test is still coming. But panicking and trying to cram won't help anyone.

Focus on community building and emotional safety first. Academic recovery happens faster when kids feel secure.

When you do restart academics, lean into collaborative work. Kids need to reconnect with each other. Use partner reading, group problem-solving, and projects where they can share their experiences.

I always do a "Hurricane Math" unit when we return. We estimate wind speeds, calculate how much rain fell, and graph the storm's path. It makes the experience part of our learning instead of something that interrupted it.

Supporting Families in Crisis

Some of your families will be dealing with real damage and displacement. Others will be fine but stressed about missed work.

Keep your communication simple and supportive. Send home information about community resources. Be flexible about homework and supplies.

And remember, you can't fix everything. Your job is to provide stability and learning, not to solve every family's hurricane-related problems.

Building Your Hurricane Routine

Every Florida teacher needs a hurricane routine. Mine includes:

• A classroom emergency kit (flashlight, battery radio, snacks)
• Digital copies of essential documents stored in the cloud
• A contact list for families that works even if the school system is down
• Comfort activities ready to go for the return

I also keep a "hurricane reflection" journal where I write down what worked and what didn't after each storm. It helps me improve my response each time.

The Silver Lining

I know it sounds crazy, but some of my best teaching moments have happened in those first weeks back after a hurricane.

Kids are more connected to each other and to you. They're thinking about community, resilience, and taking care of people in new ways. Their writing is more authentic because they have real experiences to share.

And honestly, there's something beautiful about a group of people who weathered a storm together, literally and figuratively.

For the New Teachers

If this is your first hurricane season in Florida, breathe. You'll figure it out.

Connect with veteran teachers in your building. We've all been through this, and we're happy to share supplies, ideas, and reassurance.

Most importantly, remember that your presence and calm energy matter more than perfect lesson plans. Kids need to see that their teacher is steady and that school is still a safe place, even when the world feels unpredictable.

Hurricane season is just part of teaching in Florida. We prepare, we adapt, and we take care of each other. That's what we do.

Stay safe out there, and remember: We're stronger together, especially after the storm.