News Summary
As severe winter weather approaches on January 21, schools across the Midlands are adjusting schedules with early dismissals and cancellations to prioritize student safety. Districts like Newberry, Sumter, and Orangeburg have announced early release plans, and many are implementing half-day schedules or eLearning days for the following day. Parents and students are encouraged to monitor forecasts and prepare for the icy conditions ahead.
Midlands Schools Prepare for Winter Weather
The Midlands is gearing up for an icy situation as schools across the region are adjusting their schedules due to anticipated severe winter weather on Tuesday, January 21. With a winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service, parents and students are urged to keep an eye on the changing forecasts and adjust their plans accordingly.
Early Dismissals and Cancellations
In the School District of Newberry County, students will be released early on January 21, and they’ll be served breakfast and lunch before heading home. Plans for students on January 22 include a 2-hour delay, but all after-school activities will be scratched for both days.
Sumter County is also following suit with an early dismissal on January 21. All after-school programs will be canceled, keeping both students and staff safe from the slick conditions.
Meanwhile, Orangeburg County is implementing similar measures, releasing students early on the 21st and halting all activities until further notice. The safety of everyone involved is the top priority for schools in the area.
Richland One schools will also have an early dismissal, ensuring students get breakfast and lunch before they leave for the day. All after-school events are a no-go, and similar measures will be taken by Richland School District Two, which will also release students early.
Half-Day Schedules
Lexington One schools will operate on a half-day schedule, serving breakfast and lunch before students head home on January 21. Following the trend, Lexington Two will also dismiss students early, with all after-school programs canceled for the day.
In Lexington Three, students will enjoy a half-day on January 21 before transitioning to an eLearning day on January 22. They’re even planning to hand out bagged lunches for the kids to take home. Lexington Four will follow a half-day policy too, serving meals before dismissal while canceling all after-school activities, daycare, and athletics.
Schools in District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties are getting in on the early release, canceling all after-school extracurricular activities along with half-day preschool programs.
Other Districts Making Changes
The Kershaw County School District will shut down early on January 21 and open with a 2-hour delay on January 22, with specific dismissal times in place. Aiken County schools are also planning an early dismissal for the 21st, and students relying on bus transportation won’t attend school on the 22nd due to mid-day route cancellations.
Clarendon County schools will dismiss students early on January 21 and shift to eLearning on January 22 while canceling all after-school programs. Meanwhile, Fairfield County plans to stick to their regular schedule on January 21, but parents should be ready for a possible 2-hour delay on the 22nd, with all activities being canceled or postponed as needed. Saluda County schools are holding on to their normal schedule for now but will continue to keep an eye on the weather.
Safety First!
Additionally, Calhoun County Schools will be closed on both January 21 and 22, meaning all after-school activities are off as well. As students and parents navigate these changes, the National Weather Service encourages everyone to exercise caution while traveling. Winter weather can bring slippery roads and difficult driving conditions, and they advise avoiding unnecessary travel.
With an average of over 6,000 deaths and 480,000 injuries annually in the U.S. due to weather-related vehicle crashes, safety should be everyone’s priority during these winter storms. Stay updated and follow the safety tips provided by the National Weather Service as the Midlands keeps a watchful eye on the snowy days ahead!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Weather Alert: An Arctic Blast Hits the Carolinas!
Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc in South Carolina
Cold Snap to Bring Sub-Zero Temperatures to Columbia This Weekend
Columbia, S.C. Braces for Significant Cold Snap with Freeze Watch in Effect
South Carolina Braces for Warmer, Drier Winter Ahead
Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Snow Possible Across South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Herald Online: Winter Weather News
- Google Search: Winter Weather Precautions
- The State: Weather News
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact
- WACH: Midlands School Dismissals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Cola Daily: Midlands Early Dismissals
- Google News: Winter Weather
