Sunny Days Ahead for Laurens County Students
As the sun shines brightly over Laurens County today, residents are beginning to shake off the effects of Hurricane Helene that swept through just a short while ago. With a high temperature of 72°F and gentle winds, it seems like the perfect day to enjoy the beautiful weather and look forward to the upcoming return to normal life, especially at local schools.
Returning to School
After experiencing four e-learning days due to Hurricane Helene, students and staff of the Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD55) are all set to return to their classrooms for in-person learning starting on Monday, October 14. Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland expressed relief at the situation, noting the fortunate timing, “We were blessed by the timing of everything because we really only missed four days of school. This year, we only had a week and a half for fall break, so as it turned out, the schedule moved back to an identical picture of where we were with last year’s schedule.”
Preparing for a Fresh Start
While the district faced challenges from the storm, including tree damage and some roof issues at schools, the preparations for resuming classes have been thorough. The administration has worked diligently to ensure that the buildings have access to electricity, phone lines, and Wi-Fi services. “We had some tree damage that took out fence areas. We had some minimal roof damage and a couple of windows busted out,” Dr. Penland informed. “We lost the huge tree in front of Ford Elementary but overall, we’ve been very blessed.”
Keeping the Students Engaged
To keep the students engaged during the e-learning days, many assignments were posted for grades Pre-K through eighth that allowed students to learn about Hurricane Helene. It provided them a unique opportunity to express their thoughts and understanding of the storm’s impact on their community. As the students prepare to return to class, they’ll have a chance to engage with their teachers and peers about their experiences over the past couple of weeks.
Food Services on Track
An additional concern during this time was maintaining food services for the students. Some food items did have to be discarded due to the storm, but plans were promptly made to resume lunch services by Friday. This ensures that students will be able to enjoy their meals once they walk back into the school buildings.
Road Safety Checks
On the logistical front, preparations included traveling bus routes to ensure student safety. Dr. Penland mentioned that they had to request checks on approximately seven roads. “We’ve been assured they will be addressed in the next few days,” he said. “For a few of those, someone has come through and made it wide enough for a vehicle but not necessarily for a bus.” It sounds like the district is doing everything possible to guarantee a safe and smooth return for the students.
Time to Reflect
As the students prepare to walk back into their classrooms on Monday, the atmosphere may carry a sense of reflection. Dr. Penland noted, “We need to give them time to debrief and share what they’ve experienced and get back to the home setting. They’ll always remember those impactful storms that changed the way you did life for a few days.” It seems like a wonderful opportunity for both students and teachers to connect and process their experiences together.
As Laurens County stands poised for a fresh start after the hurricane, the community is ready to embrace the sunshine, both literally and metaphorically. With the return of students to school, everyone is hopeful for a bright, engaging, and safe continuation of the school year.
