Laurens County Schools Set to Reopen After Storm Repairs

Laurens County Schools Set to Reopen After Storm Repairs

LAURENS, SC – The Laurens County School District 56 (LCSD56) is preparing to welcome students back to school on **October 14** after a series of challenges posed by recent severe weather conditions. Superintendent Dr. David O’Shields detailed the impact the storm had on school facilities and the district’s efforts to recover.

Storm Damage and Recovery Efforts

In the aftermath of the recent storm, the district faced substantial setbacks, including an estimated loss of **$200,000 worth** of food. “We had to throw away nearly $200,000 worth of food,” Dr. O’Shields expressed. Although physical damages were manageable, the impact on food supplies was significant. A fence at the playground was damaged by a fallen tree, but fortunately, all school buildings remained structurally sound. “Maintenance has done a great job walking through the schools and making sure any leaks are corrected and we’re ready to go,” said Cindy Jacobs, Public Information Officer.

Continued Support and Assistance

Despite canceled or rescheduled football games, the district has maintained practices to keep students engaged. “It’s a good way to get the kids to the school so coaches can check on them,” O’Shields noted. Some students were hit hard by the storm and struggled to regain power. The district has proactively provided food assistance to affected families. Clinton High School played a pivotal role by preparing **hot meals** for those unable to reach the school, even delivering meals to various neighborhoods and apartment complexes throughout the district.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

As students prepare to return, Dr. O’Shields plans to turn their experiences into valuable lessons. “We’ll likely do a post reflection assignment to talk about things,” he stated. This unique event in students’ lives offers an opportunity for meaningful discussions on resilience and community support. With South Carolina reporting one of the highest loss of life totals during recent storms, Dr. O’Shields emphasized the importance of sharing experiences. “We can learn so much from what the children have lived through,” he said.

Anticipation for Normalcy

As the reopening approaches, the district expects a wave of excitement among students and teachers alike. Schools often serve as a **home away from home**, and the anticipation of seeing friends and teachers again is palpable. Dr. O’Shields acknowledged the dedication of the faculty, noting that “Our teachers are already coming in to check on things even when they don’t have to.” The district is eager to resume a sense of normalcy after the disruptions caused by the storm.

Weather Forecast

In terms of upcoming weather, **Laurens** can expect generally sunny conditions, with a high of **53°F** and winds from the west-northwest at 10 to 20 mph. Night temperatures will drop to around **34°F**, accompanied by calmer winds from the west. This clear forecast may provide a suitable backdrop for the return of students and the resumption of activities in the district.

Conclusion

As Laurens County School District 56 prepares for the return of students, the focus remains firmly on recovery, support, and the importance of community ties. Efforts to return to normalcy are well underway, ensuring that students are not only welcomed back but also looked after during this transition.