10-04-2025
Dothan students return to classroom after EF-1 tornado hits school
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — Dothan Preparatory Academy students are back in the classroom after an EF-1 tornado damaged their school last week.
School staff have been working over the last week to make the building safe for students and staff, like boarding up windows that were cracked and shattered by the tornado. Five students were injured when the tornado hit the school at the end of March.
The school suffered damage to the AC units and media center, damaging technology and books in reserve and some substantial roof damage to the gym, which will be off limits for a while.
Dothan students injured after suspected tornado hits 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,' said DPA Principal James Williams.
The school staff had Spectracare on site today to help students with their mental health.
'Just a social and emotional part to address for our students and staff. anybody who goes through an event like that its traumatic for them because everybody takes it differently some may not have been impacted and some did so we need to be able to provide that service,' said Dothan City Schools Assistant Superintendent Lee Jacobs.
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