MBA Career Insights: Stay Updated on SC School Districts Early Dismissals and Closings

Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

South Carolina Braces for Hurricane Idalia: School Districts Announce Early Dismissals

As Hurricane Idalia approaches, school districts across South Carolina are taking precautions to ensure the safety of students and staff. In response to the looming threat, districts have made early dismissal and closing decisions to prepare for the storm.

Orangeburg County School District will have an early dismissal on Wednesday, August 30. However, the district has implemented different dismissal times for different grade levels. Additionally, certain schools will have exceptions in their dismissal schedules.

Fairfield County School District will operate on a half-day schedule on Wednesday. This decision is made with the students’ safety in mind, as authorities anticipate the storm’s impact.

Similarly, Sumter School District will also have early dismissals on Wednesday. Elementary, middle, and high schools will have different dismissal times. Moreover, Thursday has been declared an eLearning day for all students in the district.

Calhoun County Schools will dismiss early on Wednesday, with K8 schools and the high school having different dismissal times. On Thursday, the schools will operate on a three-hour delay, accommodating the storm’s aftermath.

Lexington County School Districts Four and Five are also taking precautions. They have agreed on early dismissals on Wednesday, with different dismissal times for various schools. On Thursday, Lexington Four schools will operate on a two-hour delay, while Lexington Five schools will have a two-hour delay for students, and a normal start time for faculty and staff.

As for Richland Two schools, early dismissals are planned for Wednesday, with varied dismissal times for elementary, middle, and high schools. On Thursday, all schools will have a two-hour delay.

In line with these measures, Richland One schools will dismiss students early on Wednesday and will have a two-hour delayed start on Thursday.

Moreover, Lexington One and Lexington Two schools will have early dismissals on Wednesday. On Thursday, they will both start on a two-hour delay.

Lexington District Three will have an early release day for students and staff on Wednesday, with different dismissal times for different schools. On Thursday, the district will operate on a two-hour delay.

Lee County School District will also have an early dismissal on Wednesday, with different dismissal times for elementary, middle, and high schools. On Thursday, the schools will operate on a two-hour delayed schedule.

The impacts of the hurricane will not be limited to schools alone. South Carolina State University will dismiss classes and non-essential employees at noon on Wednesday. Furthermore, the university will operate on a two-hour delay on Thursday.

Similarly, the School District of Newberry County will operate on an early release schedule on Wednesday. Different schools will have different dismissal times. Additionally, all athletic events on Wednesday have been canceled.

In the higher education sector, Midlands Technical College campuses will close at 1pm on Wednesday. Classes will be canceled and will resume at 9:30am on Thursday. Columbia College will close at 11am on Wednesday, canceling all classes and campus activities after that time.

Claflin University will close at 3pm on Wednesday and resume regular schedules on Thursday at 11am. Gray Collegiate Academy will also have early dismissals for middle school and high school students on Wednesday, with different dismissal times for each. Classes will resume on Thursday with a delayed start for both students and faculty. Athletes are advised to contact their coaches for practice information.

These early dismissals and closures reflect South Carolina’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents during the hurricane. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, heed any further warnings, and follow preparedness advice provided by local authorities.