Schools in Upstate Return After Hurricane Helene
The city of Upstate has seen a mixed bag of school experiences this week following Hurricane Helene’s impact. While students in various districts returned to school on time, one district faced unexpected challenges that led to school closures.
No Issues Reported for Most Schools
On Tuesday and Wednesday, schools across the region reported smooth transitions back to regular schedules. Students attending schools in Greenville County were particularly excited to climb back on their buses and reconnect with their friends. According to Greenville County Schools’ Director of Media Relations, Tim Waller, it was heartwarming to see the reunions. “A number of us in my department kinda fanned out to different schools to take some photographs of kids returning,” Waller commented, mentioning the joyful atmosphere filled with high fives, fist bumps, and lots of happy chatter among students.
Power Restored and Smooth Bus Routes
Power was restored to Greenville Middle Academy at approximately 1:45 AM on Wednesday, allowing all schools in the county to reopen. Waller noted that the modifications to bus routes were successful too. “The kids were picked up where they were supposed to this morning,” he said. Parents also received timely updates, receiving phone calls from bus drivers informing them of the changes.
Spartanburg County School District Four Closed
On the other hand, Spartanburg County School District Four was not as fortunate. Following the students’ return to Woodruff High School on Tuesday, staff discovered what appeared to be mildew or mold in several areas. The school district decided to close its schools on Wednesday to conduct air quality testing and ensure the safety of students and staff. Concerns over mildew and mold can be serious, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Challenges for Spartanburg County School District 7
Meanwhile, Spartanburg County School District 7 welcomed back its students on Tuesday after a two-hour delay. Superintendent Jeff Stevens praised the efforts of teachers who prioritized the students’ well-being over immediate academic goals. “Our focus on the first day back was checking in with students to understand how they are doing,” Stevens said. They met students with uplifting music and encouraging hand-made signs as they returned to school.
Absence Rates During Recovery
While some students were unable to return due to ongoing power outages or difficult home situations, approximately 90% of students were back in their classrooms by Wednesday. The absence rate saw around a 10% increase on Tuesday but decreased significantly as families started to recover from the storm. Stevens expressed gratitude for the resilience shown by the community, saying, “We are extremely grateful to all the emergency workers who have come to Spartanburg to help restore our community after the storm.”
In Conclusion
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the schools in Upstate are beginning to regain their footing, showing just how important community support and adaptability can be in times of crisis. As schools navigate the aftermath of the storm, it’s clear that the focus is not just on academic excellence but also on supporting students emotionally and physically as they return to their routines.
