Widespread School Closures Due to Power Outages in Pickens and Surrounding Counties
Pickens County, SC – The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has resulted in significant power outages and hazardous road conditions, leading to multiple school districts across the state suspending normal operations. Schools have announced new schedules and plans to help students cope with both teaching and recovery efforts.
Pickens County Schools Take Precautions
On Thursday, the School District of Pickens County declared that Friday, Oct. 4, will be an eLearning day. Around 15% of the county remains without power, and assessments by transportation staff indicated that many roads are deemed unsafe for travel. While this eLearning day provides students with an opportunity to keep learning without extending the school year, the district emphasized they will offer extreme grace concerning assignments’ deadlines due to the ongoing challenges families are facing.
Full information can be found here.
Greenville County Schools Cancels Activities
Greenville County Schools has also taken significant measures by canceling all activities, including athletics, until Sunday, October 6. Authorities made this decision to ensure the safety of students and staff, citing ongoing issues with transportation and power supply. They are prioritizing minimizing traffic for first responders and utility crews still working to restore services.
University and College Operations Adjusted
At the University of South Carolina Upstate, all classes have been officially canceled for the week, with the aim of resuming regular activities on Monday. Employees have been directed to work remotely unless they are essential staff. The university is committed to keeping its community safe and has urged students to continue checking their emails, alerts, and social platforms for updates.
Limestone University opted to cancel all classes on Oct. 2, granting flexibility in reporting schedules for faculty and staff. Meanwhile, Tri-County Technical College reopened on Wednesday, Oct. 2, resuming both in-person and online classes as scheduled.
Anderson County and Cherokee County Schools Update
In Anderson County, all school districts are set to suspend regular operations for the rest of the week, with plans for student holidays set for October 7 and 8. Some schools will open their doors for community access to charge devices and provide meals. In Cherokee County, schools remain closed through Friday, October 4, due to ongoing power outages affecting safety. After-school activities have also been suspended.
Continued Challenges for Other Institutions
Many universities face persistent challenges post-Hurricane Helene. Western Carolina University announced that all in-person classes will remain canceled through Oct. 11, allowing staff to recover from personal disruptions while focusing on operations. Similarly, UNC Asheville is closed until at least October 7 due to lack of basic services like electricity and water, which has restricted educational activities.
The widespread disruptions caused by the weather have prompted schools to closely monitor recovery situations and continually update their communities. With many families still facing difficulties, schools remain committed to ensuring the educational needs of students are met appropriately, even amid these challenging times.
What Parents and Students Should Know
Students and families are urged to stay informed about the status of their local schools by checking the respective school district’s websites and social media pages. Moreover, they should keep an eye out for new and updated communication regarding school operations and available resources.
As recovery efforts continue, school officials express hope for a return to normal operations in the coming week. Officials emphasize their adaptability to the needs of the community, assuring that support will be provided as families navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
