Upstate Schools Adjust Schedules Due to Extreme Cold

News Summary

As extreme cold grips the Upstate region, local schools are taking precautions by adjusting their schedules. The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory, predicting dangerously low temperatures. Spartanburg Day School will operate on a two-hour delay, while several districts, including Greenville County Schools, are implementing eLearning days. With snow expected, safety remains a priority as families are encouraged to stay updated on changes.

Upstate Schools React as Extreme Cold Grips the Region

As the icy grip of winter tightens around the Upstate, local schools are adjusting their schedules in response to the bone-chilling temperatures expected to last throughout the week. Parents and students across the area are gearing up for some changes due to extreme cold weather conditions that have led to a flurry of announcements from several school districts.

Temperature Takeover: What to Expect

The National Weather Service has put the Upstate under a cold weather advisory that stretches all the way through Wednesday. Tonight is predicted to be the coldest of the week, with temperatures tumbling into the teens and possibly reaching single digits in the mountainous areas. While we can expect chilly air to linger right into Wednesday, there is a silver lining: temperatures will begin to warm up by Thursday, paving the way for a more comfortable weekend ahead.

On Wednesday, the forecast calls for clear, sunny skies with a high near 34 degrees, along with a gentle northeast wind blowing at around six mph. However, prepare for another drop in temp Wednesday night, when the mercury is expected to dip down to about 17 degrees.

School Schedules Adjusted for Safety

In light of the potentially icy road conditions, Spartanburg Day School will operate on a two-hour delay on Wednesday. Different start times have been crafted to accommodate students:

• Preschool: Early drop-off at 9:30 a.m., classes starting at 10:00 a.m.
• Lower School: Drop-off at 9:30 a.m., starting at 10:00 a.m.
• Middle School: Drop-off at 9:30 a.m., classes kick off at 10:10 a.m.
• Upper School: Classes will commence at 10:30 a.m.

On a positive note, all after-school activities at Spartanburg Day School will still go ahead as planned, with Extended Day services available until 6 p.m.

eLearning Days Implemented Across Multiple Districts

Meanwhile, in the Greenville County Schools (GCS) district, students are gearing up for an eLearning day on Wednesday, January 22. All schools and office buildings will remain closed, with all plans for activities—including athletic events and field trips—canceled.

GCS students are encouraged to log into Google Classroom for their eLearning assignments, making sure they stay on track, even from home. Several Anderson school districts (D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5) are also opting for an eLearning day, along with Spartanburg County School Districts (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) closing their doors on Wednesday, prioritizing the safety of everyone involved due to the prevailing winter conditions.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the area, suggesting that snow is on the way and could make commutes quite tricky. With a mix of snow and extreme cold in the forecast, the concern for unsafe road conditions has prompted schools to act swiftly in prioritizing the welfare of their students and staff.

Stay Alert and Plan Accordingly

In the Spartanburg area, District 7 officials have warned that wind chill could plummet as low as -7 degrees on Wednesday morning, with ongoing snowfall anticipated. As a result, all after-school events and activities for Spartanburg Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are canceled. Additionally, Charles Lea Center’s day and employment programs will be closed on Wednesday, January 22, due to the weather.

However, Spartanburg District 2 plans to operate on a normal schedule after a thorough review of road conditions early in the morning. Meanwhile, Spartanburg District 1 will remain vigilant, continuing to monitor conditions throughout the night and into early morning.

Families are encouraged to stay updated about any changes by checking the respective district websites or social media pages. As always, while winter brings beautiful snow days, safety comes first, so let’s stay warm and cozy!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Greenville Online
• Fox Carolina
• Post and Courier
• Wikipedia
• Google Search: Extreme Cold Weather