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Midlands Schools Adjust Schedules Ahead of Winter Weather

Students outside a school in winter clothing awaiting early dismissal due to snow forecast.

News Summary

As winter weather approaches, Midlands school districts are implementing schedule changes to ensure student and staff safety. Several districts, including Kershaw and Lexington, are dismissing students early and moving to e-learning for the following day. Adjustments include staggered dismissal times and the provision of breakfast and lunch prior to release. These proactive measures aim to adapt to the expected inclement weather conditions, with communication efforts focused on keeping families informed.

Midlands Schools Adjust Schedules as Winter Weather Approaches

As the Midlands braces for an anticipated winter weather system, several school districts have decided to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, families in various areas can expect some early dismissals along with adjustments to the regular school day.

Districts Taking Action

Schools in Lexington districts 1-4, Lexington-Richland district 5, Newberry County, Kershaw County, and Orangeburg County are among those affected by these scheduling changes due to the expected inclement weather. The forecast suggests the possibility of snow, although the accumulation amounts have notably decreased.

Details on Dismissals

In Kershaw County, elementary schools will be letting students go at 11:30 a.m., while middle schools will dismiss at 11:45 a.m., and high schools will conclude their day at noon. Thankfully, breakfast and lunch will still be served before students head home. Looking forward to Wednesday, Kershaw County will also implement a two-hour delay, allowing families to adjust to the changing weather conditions.

Lexington School District Three, on the other hand, is moving to e-learning for January 22 and has modified their dismissal times for Tuesday. Elementary students will be released at 10:30 a.m., middle schoolers at 11:15 a.m., and high school students at 11:30 a.m. Meanwhile, Lexington District Four is also making adjustments, with early releases for both elementary and middle schools, and all after-school activities will be canceled.

Newberry County schools will see early dismissals ranging from 12:05 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. depending on the school level, while Clarendon County schools will similarly dismiss early and transition to e-learning for the next day.

Robust Safety Measures

In Richland One, schools will have an early dismissal on January 21 with breakfast and lunch provided beforehand. Like other districts, they are prioritizing student and staff safety. Consequently, Orangeburg County schools are also adopting an early dismissal schedule in light of similar weather concerns.

Interestingly, Fairfield County has chosen to maintain a regular schedule for now but is keeping a close watch on the evolving conditions. As temperatures hover in the upper 30s to low 40s during the day, they are expected to drop to the teens and low 20s at night. These chilly predictions also raise worries about hazardous driving conditions.

Communication is Key

School districts are making sure parents are informed through multiple channels. They’ll be sending out communication via district call-outs, social media updates, and their official websites. It’s essential for everyone to remain updated as these conditions develop. With safety at the forefront of these decisions, students and parents can expect clear guidance as the winter weather unfolds.

As the Midwest faces the uncertainty of winter weather, remember to bundle up and stay informed about your local school’s schedule changes. Let’s hope for a safe return to normalcy as the weather clears up!