Dothan, Ala. — Dothan Preparatory Academy students are back in the classroom after a devastating EF-1 tornado hit the school last week, causing significant damage. The tornado struck at the end of March, leaving behind shattered windows, roof damage, and destruction to the school’s media center and technology.
In the days following the tornado, school staff worked tirelessly to ensure the building was safe for students and staff. They boarded up cracked and shattered windows, and made necessary repairs to secure the structure. Despite the challenges, five students were injured during the tornado, but fortunately, no additional serious injuries have been reported.
Dothan Preparatory Academy Principal James Williams expressed his relief at seeing students return to school. “Kids came in smiling, excited, ready to see their friends, hugging their teachers. Everybody had breakfast in the cafeteria. It was really good to have them back, and we had no issues,” Williams said.
While the school has resumed normal operations, some areas remain off-limits. The gymnasium, which sustained substantial roof damage, will remain closed for an extended period while repairs are made. Additionally, the tornado’s damage to air conditioning units and the media center left many of the school’s technology and books in reserve compromised.
Recognizing the emotional impact of such a traumatic event, Dothan City Schools Assistant Superintendent Lee Jacobs highlighted the importance of mental health support for both students and staff. “Just a social and emotional part to address for our students and staff. Anybody who goes through an event like that, it’s traumatic for them. Everybody takes it differently—some may not have been impacted, and some did. So, we need to be able to provide that service,” Jacobs stated.
To help students cope with the aftermath, the school brought in Spectracare, a local mental health provider, to offer counseling services. The initiative aims to address the emotional and psychological needs of those affected by the tornado.
As the school community moves forward, the resilience of the students, staff, and local support systems has been evident. Dothan Preparatory Academy is now focused on repairing the remaining damage and ensuring that both the physical and emotional well-being of its students remains a priority.
