News Summary
As winter weather affects the Midlands, universities are adapting to ensure student safety. Most institutions will implement delayed starts or E-Learning Days, while some are closing entirely. This proactive approach prioritizes the well-being of students and staff. Institutions like Claflin University and Midlands Technical College are adjusting their schedules to account for hazardous road conditions. Parents and students are urged to stay updated via school communications as snowfall is expected to continue.
Midlands Schools Prepare for Weather Challenges
As the winter weather sweeps through, schools across the Midlands are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. With impacting snowfall that hit on January 21, many educational institutions have announced changes for Thursday, January 23. E-Learning Days and delayed starts are now the focus, allowing for a safer approach during this chilly spell.
Closure and E-Learning Ramp-Up
First up, Calhoun County Schools have decided to close their doors on Thursday, with all offices remaining shuttered. Parents and students should take note of the switch to E-Learning Days wherever applicable.
Claflin University is on the move with a delayed start—morning classes will happen virtually, while those attending in the afternoon can plan to show up at 12:30 p.m. The administrative offices will also be opening their doors at noon, so everyone should be in sync.
Clarendon County Schools is sticking to their E-Learning plan for Thursday. Meanwhile, Columbia College is also following suit with a delayed start; operations will commence at 12 p.m. sharp. Similarly, Columbia International University is slated to open at noon.
Road Conditions Matter
As road conditions remain unsafe, Fairfield County Schools will have a full closure on Thursday. Continuing the trend, both Kershaw County Schools and Lee County Schools will transition to E-Learning Days. Always a comprehensive response, after-school programs and events have been canceled for Lee County students, ensuring that families are safely staying home.
The districts of Lexington One, Two, and Three are on board with the decision to shift to E-Learning as well on Thursday. Unfortunately, Lexington-Richland Five Schools will follow through with a full closure.
Higher Education Adjustments
Turning to technical education, Midlands Technical College campuses will operate with a delayed schedule. The campuses will open at noon with classes commencing at 12:45 p.m. Meanwhile, Newberry County Schools are planning for a two-hour delay.
Unfortunately, snow isn’t going anywhere soon. Orangeburg County Schools, Richland One Schools, and Sumter County Schools will all be closed on Thursday, while Richland Two Schools will shift operations to E-Learning.
University of South Carolina in the Mix
Last but not least, the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus will remain closed until noon on Thursday. Given the ongoing winter weather advisories, schools are on top of assessing road conditions for the safety of all involved.
With up to an inch of snowfall expected along the I-20 corridor, it is clear that school districts are prioritizing safety as winter weather impacts our community. Parents are encouraged to keep an eye on emails and communications from their respective schools to stay informed on updates and specific instructions regarding any changes in the school schedule.
Stay Safe, Midlands!
As we embrace this wintry chill, let’s remember to stay warm and safe. Whether it’s learning from home or keeping up with modified school hours, everyone’s safety is what’s truly important!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- WLTX
- The State
- Bring Me The News
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Google Search: winter weather school closures
- Google Scholar: winter weather education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: winter weather
- Google News: winter weather school adjustments
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
