News Summary
With winter weather forecasted, schools across the Midlands are taking precautionary measures, including early dismissals and eLearning days. Richland County and Lexington County schools are among those planning these changes to ensure student safety as snow and ice are predicted. Parents are encouraged to stay informed about school operations in light of the changing weather conditions.
Midlands Schools Brace for Winter Weather with Early Dismissals and eLearning Days
In Lexington, Ky., Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up for the cold with plans to utilize their fifth Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) day on Tuesday, February 11. This decision comes as local weather forecasts predict a chilly mix of snow and ice heading our way. School officials are acting out of an abundance of caution and families can check online for the latest updates on school closings and delays.
Meanwhile, down in Columbia, S.C., many schools across the Midlands area are taking proactive measures as the possibility of snow looms closer. Snow accumulations are expected in most areas, with snow showers likely to begin Tuesday afternoon, making it a busy day for school districts!
A winter storm warning is currently in effect for numerous counties, including Richland, Lexington, Lee, Sumter, Clarendon, Calhoun, and Orangeburg. Snow is forecasted to start pushing into the Midlands and Central Savannah River Area between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, continuing throughout the night into Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service indicates that some areas in the I-20 corridor could see up to an inch of snow by daybreak.
Early Dismissals at Richland County Schools
Richland County School District 1 is making the decision to send home elementary school students early at 11 a.m., followed by middle schools at 12:30 p.m. and high schools at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday. Additionally, they will shift to an eLearning format on Wednesday to keep everyone safe and learning from home. Cancelations of after-school programs and activities are also on the list for Richland 1.
Richland County School District 2 will follow a similar pattern, dismissing elementary schools at 11 a.m., middle schools at 11:45 a.m., and high schools at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, leading into their planned eLearning day on Wednesday.
Lexington County School Updates
In Lexington County, District 1 will operate on a half-day schedule, sending elementary school students home at 11:20 a.m., followed by middle and high school at staggered times, and transition to virtual eLearning the next day.
Lexington District 2 will also have early dismissals with elementary schools at 11:30 a.m. and higher grades at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, advancing to eLearning on Wednesday. Early dismissals are anticipated for District 3, with all students entering into eLearning mode on Wednesday, canceling all after-school activities.
Lexington 4 follows suit with early dismissals on Tuesday and will also switch to an eLearning day on Wednesday. The Lexington-Richland 5 district will similarly dismiss early and operate under an eLearning schedule on Wednesday.
Other School Districts Respond
Across the Midlands, the Sumter School District has decided to close all schools and offices on Tuesday, with an eLearning day set for Wednesday. Kershaw County Schools will dismiss early and follow a 2-hour delay for Wednesday.
Orangeburg County Schools will keep students safe with an eLearning day on Wednesday. Clarendon County Schools are following an early dismissal schedule on Tuesday leading into their eLearning day Wednesday as well. Fairfield County Schools will close on Wednesday, but it won’t be an eLearning day. Make-up days for missed instruction will be planned later.
University and Local Services Adjust Schedules
For college students, the University of South Carolina has announced cancellations for classes after 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Midlands Technical College will also close all campuses at 2:30 p.m. In the local community, Richland Library locations will shut down at noon on Tuesday, along with several recreation facilities. City Hall at West Columbia will also close, alongside all parks, starting at noon.
As the winter weather approaches, it’s best to stay safe and warm while schools and services adjust for all our cold-weather needs. Whether it’s classes being moved to an online format or early dismissals, students and parents alike should stay tuned for updates on the weather and school operations! Remember to bundle up and stay cozy!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Springs into Action for Kentucky Flood Relief
Wildcab Vouchers Program Expands for University of Kentucky Students
Donation Drive Launches in Lexington for Flood Relief
Fayette County Schools Resume In-Person Classes
Fayette County Ramps Up Winter Care Program as Severe Storm Hits
Honoring the Legacy of James Lane Allen in Kentucky
Lexington Prepares for Winter Weather Challenges
Lexington Faces Alarming Increase in Homelessness
Extreme Cold Causes School Closures in Minnesota
Winter Weather Woes Pile Up for Kentucky
Additional Resources
- WIS TV: School Districts Announce Delays & Closures Ahead of Possible Snowfall
- The State: Weather News Updates
- Kentucky.com: Weather News
- WLTX: School Closings Winter Weather
- ABC Columbia: School Schedule Changes
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Google Search: Winter Weather School Closures
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Education Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Google News: Winter Storm School Closures
