Atlanta Academy responds to weather threat

Schools all across metro Atlanta prepared their students for the worst as that severe weather system rolled in.

What is usually a drill became the real thing on Wednesday as sirens went off and tornado warnings went into effect at the Atlanta Academy.

Inside staff and administrators monitored the weather reports and did everything they could to keep their students safe.

Principal Angela Naples made the decision to dismiss school early. She contacted parents by phone, text, email and Facebook.

"And then now I need to go and get the children in a secure place because the alarms are going off.  So, we're gonna go now and get safe," said Naples.

What had been a typical day for Phillis McKenzie's kindergarten class, became something more once the sirens off.  Teachers answered pointed questions about the storm.

Parents said they were pleased with how quickly they were notified about the storm.

"They called my daughter, they called my son-in-law and they called me. I'm the grandparent. So, they called all three of us. So, I feel good about the notification," said Ronald McGee.

The Atlanta Academy only has about 250 students. The school relies on the support of its staff and parent volunteers in situations like Wednesday.