Schools Across the Region Adjust Operations Due to Hurricane Helene Impacts
In light of widespread power and internet outages caused by Hurricane Helene, many educational institutions in the region have announced adjustments to their schedules. The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty while continuing educational activities where possible.
Pickens County Schools
The School District of Pickens County declared Friday, October 4, as an eLearning day due to ongoing power outages and hazardous road conditions. Roughly 15% of the county remains without power, and the transportation staff assessed many routes, finding them unsafe for school travel. The district plans to return to regular operations on Monday, October 7. During this eLearning day, the district will provide assignments with “extreme grace” concerning deadlines due to the challenges families face. Full details can be found on their official website.
Greenville County Schools
Over in Greenville County Schools, all activities, including athletics, are canceled through Sunday, October 6. This decision was made in response to unsafe transportation routes and the community’s lack of stable power. The district’s aim is to minimize traffic, allowing first responders and utility crews to work effectively.
University Updates
USC Upstate canceled all classes for the remainder of the week, with the university closed and non-essential employees working remotely. They encourage students to check their emails and text alerts for updates.
Bob Jones University resumed classes on Wednesday, October 2, while Tri-County Technical College reopened its campuses on the same day, holding in-person and online classes as scheduled.
Limestone University announced that classes are canceled, and no assignments or activities will be held on Wednesday. The situation will be evaluated daily, with more updates shared through the university’s social media channels.
Cancelled Activities and Classes
Spartanburg Community College also closed all campuses until the following week due to the weather’s impact. Students do not need to log into online classes, and no assignments are due during this closure.
Anderson County Schools reported to suspend normal operations for the remainder of the week, October 2-4, but plans to have community open doors within certain districts for families to charge devices and receive free food.
Community Resources
In response to the need for power and services, Asheville City Schools is in a state of indefinite closure. They have partnered with T-Mobile and Verizon to set up temporary WiFi and cellular service stations in the area.
Other Schools
Many other schools, including those in Cherokee County, will remain closed through Friday, October 4, as the district assesses road safety and power restoration. Meanwhile, Union County Schools are closed, with all remediation programs canceled for the week.
Western Carolina University has also suspended classes, continuing until October 11, while maintaining their planned fall break for October 14-18.
Throughout the this challenging time, many districts are emphasizing a flexible approach toward assignments and deadlines to accommodate the disruptions faced by families. Various schools and districts continue to provide updates via official websites and social media platforms as they strive to navigate the ongoing impacts of the storm.
Stay safe and informed.
