Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Midlands Schools Adjust Schedules for Hazardous Winter Weather

Students dismissed early due to winter weather conditions

News Summary

In preparation for severe winter weather on January 21, schools in the Midlands are implementing schedule changes including early dismissals and cancellations of after-school activities. School districts such as Newberry, Sumter, and Orangeburg are prioritizing student safety by adjusting their operations, with modifications extending into the following days. As temperatures drop and snow is forecast, families are encouraged to stay informed and make necessary arrangements.

Midlands Schools Adjust Schedules for Hazardous Winter Weather

As the Midlands gets ready for some potentially nasty winter weather on January 21, schools across the area are taking precautions to ensure the safety of students and staff. With snow showers in the forecast and temperatures expected to drop considerably, school districts are rolling out changes to their schedules and programs that may affect families.

Early Releases and Cancellations

The School District of Newberry County is kicking things off with an early release day on January 21. They’ll also implement a two-hour delay on January 22, giving everyone a little extra time to warm up and shake off the chill. Don’t worry; breakfast and lunch will still be served before the students head home. Just remember, all after-school activities are getting the axe this time around!

Across the way, the Sumter County Schools are following suit, also planning to dismiss students early on January 21. Their after-school programs won’t be running either, which means kids will be heading home sooner. It looks like it’s time to trade those school books for cozy blankets!

Then we have Orangeburg County, where students will leave early as well on January 21, and just like the others, all activities and events are canceled until further notice. Families are urged to make necessary arrangements as the weather develops.

Many More Early Dismissals

Richland One schools aren’t missing out on the early release trend either! Similar to their counterparts, these schools will have an early dismissal on January 21 and will be providing breakfast and lunch before sending the little ones home. As always, the after-school programs will be canceled for the day.

Richland School District Two joins the fray, with early dismissal on January 21 and cancellations for any after-school events. No need for parents to worry about picking kids up late!

For the Lexington School Districts, there’s a mix of schedules in play. Schools in Lexington One will have a half-day with breakfast and lunch served, while schools in Lexington Two will also dismiss early. For those in Lexington Three, expect a half-day followed by an eLearning day on January 22, along with bagged lunches being offered before kids leave. Lex Four is going with a half-day, also providing meals before the school’s doors close early.

Further Changes and Weather Considerations

Meanwhile, in Kershaw County, school authorities will close all schools and offices early on January 21, coupled with a two-hour delay for January 22. The students in Aiken County are not being left behind and will similarly be dismissed early, with all after-school programs put on hold. In Clarendon County, the vibe is similar; early dismissal is on the agenda, and they’ve got an eLearning day slate for January 22. All after-school activities? Yep, canceled!

Now for Fairfield County, they’re keeping their regular schedule on January 21, with a possible two-hour delay on the following day. All activities and events are either canceled or postponed during this wintry turn of events. Saluda County will stick to normal hours too, adjusting as necessary based on those weather conditions.

Safety First!

Over in Calhoun County, it’s a bit of a different situation, as schools will be shut down entirely on January 21 and 22, with cancellations for after-school events as well. Meanwhile, cold weather shelters are sprouting up across the Midlands due to the frosty forecast. The City of Orangeburg has opened a warming shelter at the Orangeburg City Gym, which will be in operation from January 20 through January 25, to help those in need stay warm.

With forecasts predicting snow showers, high temperatures around 34°F, and lows dipping to 21°F, it’s essential to stay safe out there! Districts are committed to monitoring the situation and will keep everyone updated through their websites and social media. So keep an eye out; it looks like the Midlands is in for a chilly week ahead!