Weather Impacts Education in South Carolina Cities
In light of the recent storm Helene, many schools across South Carolina are facing challenges due to power outages and unsafe travel conditions. As the communities recover, local education institutions are making necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Pickens County
Starting with Pickens County Schools, officials announced that Friday, October 4, would be an eLearning day due to ongoing power outages, with about 15% of residents still lacking electricity. The transportation staff reported that many roads remain unsafe for school buses. This eLearning day allows the district to maintain educational momentum without extending the school calendar. The district plans to return to normal operations on Monday, October 7, and is showing flexibility in assignment deadlines for students and families still dealing with the storm’s aftermath.
Greenville County
Greenville County Schools have canceled all activities, including sports, until Sunday, October 6. This decision comes as officials determined that unsafe roads and inconsistent power were risks for students, staff, and first responders. The safety of everyone involved continues to be the top priority.
USC Upstate
USC Upstate is also taking serious measures by canceling all classes for the remainder of the week, with plans to resume on Monday. The university is closed to everyone except essential employees, who will work remotely until further notice. Updates are being distributed through various channels to keep everyone informed of the changes.
Oconee County
Oconee County Schools has requested that all students return chromebooks and chargers upon returning to school, showing a focus on maintaining resources for education post-storm.
Tri-County Technical College
On the bright side, Tri-County Technical College’s campuses opened on October 2, resuming regular classes and operations.
Limestone University
Conversely, Limestone University has canceled classes for one day, with staff assessing operations based on ongoing conditions. Classes are being evaluated on a daily basis to determine the best course of action moving forward.
Spartanburg Community College
All Spartanburg Community College campuses remained closed through the week due to weather impacts, meaning students are not expected to attend or log into online classes during this closure.
Anderson County Schools
Across Anderson County, normal operations are suspended through October 4, but the district plans to keep certain community services open, such as Flat Rock Elementary and Iva Elementary for device charging and food distributions.
Clemson University
Clemson University and its statewide campuses had class cancellations on September 30, giving the staff and students some much-needed time to recuperate and adjust to the ongoing situation.
Henderson County and Asheville Schools
Asheville Schools also remain closed indefinitely, with a commitment to keep students and faculty informed with regular updates. Henderson County Public Schools will also remain closed until conditions allow for safe operation.
Conclusion
In summary, the impacts of Hurricane Helene have caused widespread changes in the academic schedule across various educational institutions in South Carolina. The focus remains on the safety and well-being of students and staff during this challenging time. Many schools and universities encourage families to stay connected through emails and social media for the latest updates on operations and resources available.
