BIG ISLAND, Va. – UPDATE (Nov. 16, 2023)
Big Island Elementary School will have an early dismissal on Thursday, Nov. 16, due to worsening smoke conditions from the wildfire in Jefferson National Forest, according to Bedford County school officials.
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School leaders said students will be dismissed at 10:30 a.m. Parents and/or guardians can pick up their kids at 10:20 a.m. prior to dismissal and buses will begin taking students home at 10:30 a.m.
However, if you’re unable to pick your child up or be at your home when buses run this morning, your student can be dropped off at Liberty High School, where you can pick them up at the back entrance to the high school auditorium. They will remain there until all students have been dismissed to parents.
Buses will run again at the normal time in the afternoon for parents who are unable to pick up their children.
UPDATE (Nov. 15, 2023)
Big Island Elementary School will reopen on Thursday, Nov. 16, and will operate on a normal schedule.
ORIGINAL STORY
Big Island Elementary School will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 15 due to air quality concerns in the area, according to Bedford County Public Schools.
“We remain in constant communication with Bedford County Department of Fire and Rescue and other community partners regarding the Matts Creek Wildfire,” the post read, in part.
In an update Tuesday afternoon, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that the fire had grown to 150 acres, still 0% contained.
School officials said several areas are experiencing mild impacts from the fire, but the biggest impact is near and around the Big Island community.
[READ MORE: Matts Creek wildfire in Bedford County grows to 150 acres]
Leaders said all other BCPS schools will go to school and operate normally.
“As additional information becomes available, we will communicate further regarding school operations for Thursday and Friday,” BCPS officials said. “As parents, you know your child’s health the best, and we encourage you to use your discretion if you have concerns with them attending school during this time.”