News Summary
As winter weather approaches, Midlands schools are enacting early dismissals and delays to ensure student safety. With snowfall predicted, districts such as Newberry and Lexington are making proactive adjustments, including canceled after-school activities and e-learning days. Parents are encouraged to stay informed on updates and prepare for changes in their children’s routines.
Midlands Schools Prepare for Winter Weather with Early Dismissals
As the chilly winds of winter approach, many schools in the Midlands have decided to adjust their schedules to keep students safe amid the looming threat of hazardous weather conditions. The forecast is predicting snow starting late in the afternoon on January 21, 2025, which means preparations are in full swing.
Newberry County Takes Precautions
The School District of Newberry County is leading the charge with an early release scheduled for Tuesday, January 21. Students are in for a disruption to their regular day, but they will receive breakfast and lunch before they head home. Please note that all after-school events, including athletic games and practice, have been canceled, so parents can plan accordingly.
Additionally, on the following day, Wednesday, January 22, Newberry County will implement a 2-hour delay for buses and schools. This means students can enjoy a little extra sleep before tackling whatever winter wonderland might await them.
Lexington County Schools Coordinate Early Dismissals
Not to be left behind, schools in Lexington County are also joining the early dismissal bandwagon. Lexington Four will follow suit on January 21, and all after-school activities will be put on hold to ensure everyone gets home safely.
Lexington Two Schools echo this decision, dismissing students early too due to the forecast warning of wintry weather. Various after-school programs, athletic events, and adult education classes have been suspended as well.
Meanwhile, Lexington School District One is adopting a half-day schedule that day. Here’s the breakdown: elementary schools will dismiss at 11:20 a.m., middle schools at 12:05 p.m., and high schools will release at different times, with some exiting as late as 12:45 p.m.. Students will still have breakfast and lunch served before heading home, ensuring that they’re fueled up for the winter ahead.
Other Districts Join the Efforts
Lexington County School District Three has also announced a half-day for all students on January 21, followed by an e-learning day on January 22. In Sumter County, officials have decided on an early dismissal due to the expected inclement weather.
Richland One schools will similarly release students early, and parents should note that all after-school activities are canceled. Likewise, School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties will dismiss students early that same day, highlighting the need for caution with transportation due to potential black ice.
Orangeburg and Kershaw Counties Follow Suit
The Orangeburg County School District is aligning with the early dismissal schedule too, with all athletic events postponed as safety takes precedence. Kershaw County Schools are joining the ranks with their own early release and a follow-up 2-hour delay on January 22, ensuring that students can remain safe during this snowy spell.
Preparing for the Wintry Mix
The National Weather Service has shared that snow is likely to start between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on January 21, continuing into the next day. Predictions show a 65-85% chance of snowfall, with accumulations ranging from a dusting to about 2 inches. As temperatures remain low, there’s a high chance that the snow will linger on the ground which could lead to refreezing and pose hazardous road conditions like black ice.
As parents prepare for potential delays and early dismissals, it’s a great idea to dress warmly while waiting for school buses and keep a close eye on updates from school districts about any changes. Safety must come first, and with winter weather on the horizon, these proactive measures by schools in the Midlands are truly commendable. Stay warm and stay safe!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USC Reverses Class Cancellations Ahead of Winter Weather
Midlands Schools Adjust to Incoming Snowfall
Severe Winter Storm Hits the United States
Winter Storm Warning Hits Columbia, SC
Winter Storm Disrupts Travel in Southern U.S.
Columbia, S.C. Receives $204 Million Federal Grant for Traffic Project
Lexington County Braces for Winter Wonderland Woes
Upstate South Carolina Schools Transition to E-Learning
Winter Weather Advisory Hits South Carolina
Road Changes and Community Updates in Lexington This January
Additional Resources
- The State
- Google Search: Winter Weather South Carolina
- ABC Columbia
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Safety
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- WIS TV
- Google News: Winter Weather Columbia
- The Weather Channel
- Count on 2
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