Many schools cancelled; some will offer food, showers to residents

Hundreds of homes in Surry County remain in the dark Sunday evening following Hurricane Helene's visit last week. According to ReadyNC.gov there were 2,546 residents of Surry County still in the dark as of 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening.

In response to some residents being without power or having difficulty getting around, most local schools are closed Monday, Sept. 30 with the exception of Elkin City Schools.

Surry County Schools will be closed to students for classes on Monday according to a statement from the district, "Out of an abundance of caution, all Surry County Schools will remain closed for students, Monday, September 30. Tomorrow will be an optional teacher workday."

"In addition, Surry County Schools will be opening East Surry, North Surry, and Surry Central High Schools for our families who are without power from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, September 30. Child nutrition staff will be on-site to serve meals. You are welcome to come by for a meal, take a shower, and use the restrooms. Our locker rooms will also be available for your convenience."

Mount Airy City Schools will be closed Monday, and the district announced there will be meal service for children and adults available.

"Due to power and internet outages across our schools and area, we will be canceling school on September 30. There will also be no after-school activities. We want nothing more than to bring students back into our buildings but there are many factors preventing that from being the safest option at this time.

"Sit-down lunch meals will be available for children 18 and under for free. Adults can buy a lunch for $4.50. Lunches will be served in BH Tharrington Primary cafeteria and Mount Airy High School’s Commons Area from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and those meals will need to be eaten in the cafeteria of the school based on regulation.

Elkin City Schools will resume a normal schedule Monday. They released a statement that read, "We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the power companies and the cleanup crews for their incredible efforts during Hurricane Helene."

"The hard work and dedication ensured that our community was safe and that we are able to return to a regular scheduled school day."

Wilkes County Schools will be closed on Monday. The district said, "First and foremost, we hope that you and your family are safe following this dangerous storm. Wilkes County Schools will be closed for students September 30. This will allow us to assess conditions at our schools and in the community and determine when students can safely return."

"Tomorrow will be an optional teacher workday. Employees who do not feel comfortable traveling should not do so. We will work closely with those who cannot safely return to work tomorrow."

Alleghany County schools and Galax City Schools in Carroll County, Va. will also be closed Monday.