Midlands Schools Adjust Schedules for Hurricane Helene Aftermath

Midlands Schools Gear Up for a Week of Adjustments Following Hurricane Helene

As the winds from Hurricane Helene start to settle, communities across the Midlands are feeling the aftermath of this powerful storm. Many local schools are making important announcements that parents, students, and staff need to be aware of as they navigate this uncertain week.

COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

First up, COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY has announced a closure on Monday, September 30th, due to power outages affecting the campus. Classes are canceled through Wednesday, October 2nd, with a hopeful return to normalcy by Thursday, October 3rd. The decision was made based on the ongoing recovery efforts from the storm, as reported by Greta Clinton. Students and staff are encouraged to stay safe during this time.

LEXINGTON ONE DISTRICT

The Lexington One School District also has important updates. On Monday, September 30, all schools and offices will be closed, with all extracurricular activities canceled. Chief Communications Officer Libby Roof explained that many families and employees are still facing power outages, along with hazardous road conditions that pose safety risks for bus routes. As a result, eLearning will not be implemented on that day. Similar to CIU, students won’t return to classes on Tuesday, October 1, as another closure is in effect. On Wednesday, October 2, however, Lexington One schools will operate on a two-hour delay, allowing extra time for recovery efforts.

LEXINGTON FOUR DISTRICT

Meanwhile, the Lexington Four District echoed those sentiments with closure announcements for September 30. Power outages and hazardous roads continue to be a concern, making it difficult to safely support school operations. On Tuesday, October 1, students will have an eLearning day, resuming in-person classes on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, October 2.

LEXINGTON TWO DISTRICT

In the Lexington Two District, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 30, but lunch bags are being provided at Cayce Elementary, Pine Ridge Middle, and Riverbank Elementary. More than 1,200 meals were handed out during a two-hour lunch service to youth in the community. This outreach will continue on Tuesday, October 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the same locations, fostering a sense of community during these challenging times. Schools will then reopen on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, October 2.

RICHLAND ONE DISTRICT

Moving over to the Richland One District, all schools and administrative offices will also be closed on Monday, September 30. eLearning is not feasible at this time, but parents are encouraged to pick up meals for their children from 9 a.m. to noon. The district is set to provide additional updates regarding plans for Tuesday, October 1, as families deal with extensive power outages.

RICHLAND TWO DISTRICT

On the other hand, Richland Two District schools will have an e-learning day planned for Monday, September 30, with a return to regular schedules on Tuesday, October 1. It’s encouraging to see schools getting back into the swing of things.

ORANGEBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

In the Orangeburg County School District, all schools and district offices will reopen on Monday, September 30. The district understands that some families are still facing challenges, so they encourage those in need of support to reach out directly to their schools.

LEXINGTON-RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT FIVE

Finally, Lexington-Richland School District Five announced closures for Monday, September 30, utilizing February 17, 2025, as a makeup day for hazardous weather. They plan to have eLearning on Tuesday, October 1, with a two-hour delay schedule for Wednesday, October 2.

This week is undoubtedly filled with adjustments for families in the Midlands, but one thing is clear: the community is coming together as they weather the storm together.