My sister, a senior in a Hillsborough County public school, has already been under immense stress this academic year. The unexpected arrival of Hurricane Milton only worsened the situation, disrupting an already challenging time for students. The impact of these natural disasters is vast, interrupting schooling and causing additional stress for our children. It's more critical than ever before that we prioritize their mental health and well-being. 

It is known that prolonged school closures or unexpected interruptions, like this, affect students' performance negatively. According to a study by the Brookings Institution, students lose on an average about 20% of their school-year gains in reading and 27% in math during summer breaks alone. Imagine the compounded effect of a disruptive event like a hurricane.

Given this, we strongly urge Governor Ron DeSantis to approve a waiver that will exempt public school students in Hillsborough County from making up for the days missed due to Hurricane Milton. The approval of this waiver will not only reduce undue academic pressure but also demonstrate that the state understands and acknowledges the hardships faced by these students.

Now is the time to prioritize education without compromising on student welfare. Please sign this petition to ask Governor Ron DeSantis to approve the school day waiver for Hillsborough County public schools.