Weather Woes: Schools Adjust Plans for Tropical Storm Helene
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – As Tropical Storm Helene approaches, school districts in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee areas are quickly making adjustments to their plans to keep students safe. With worries of isolated tornadoes and strong winds hitting the region, many schools are moving to eLearning days, giving a new meaning to the term “school from home.”
Horry County Schools Leading the Charge
First on the list is Horry County Schools, which has decided that students will start learning from the comfort of their own homes on Friday. The district emphasized that this decision was made out of an abundance of caution regarding bus safety, especially with gusty winds on the way. Additionally, all after-school events have either been canceled or postponed to a later date to ensure everyone’s safety.
Darlington County Makes Its Call
Meanwhile, the Darlington County School District has announced similar plans, opting for an eLearning day on Friday. The district firmly cited the threat of high winds as their reason for this decision. Interestingly, after-school activities are still on the table here, as conditions are expected to improve later in the day.
Dillon School Districts Turn to Virtual Learning
In Dillon, both Dillon School District 3 and Dillon School District 4 have made adjustments. District 3 will also transition to an eLearning day, taking into account those forecasted wind speeds. On the other hand, District 4 announced a complete school closure for students and staff, clarifying that this is not an eLearning day, with plans to make it up on October 25.
Georgetown County Takes Precautions
Georgetown County School District officials have joined the wave of schools moving to eLearning on Friday. After discussions with emergency management and other officials, they’re taking a proactive stance to keep students safe.
Universities and Colleges Prepare
It’s not just K-12 schools making adjustments—is the higher education sector feeling the effects too? Francis Marion University announced it will be opening later at 10:30 a.m., contingent on the storm’s trajectory. If things worsen, they might adjust that opening time again.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College is stepping things up with a full move to virtual operations on Friday. All in-person classes will be held online instead to shield students from weather-related troubles. To add to the caution, students in clinicals, internships, or any other hands-on courses are advised to stay put.
Florence County Districts Change Course
The Florence County area isn’t getting left behind either. Florence County School District 1 plans to operate on a two-hour delay, with breakfast not being offered. In contrast, Florence County School District 2 made a switch from a delay to a full eLearning day. District 3 also altered its plans from a delay to an eLearning day, joining the ranks of those prioritizing student safety. Lastly, Florence County School District 5 is going completely virtual due to some power outages and road challenges brought on by the storm.
Additional Closures and Updates
The Marion County School District has called for an eLearning day as well, ensuring students stay out of harm’s way. Furthermore, Robeson Community College is closing its campuses and will also switch to an eLearning day on Friday.
As this storm develops, other local districts may follow suit and announce changes as well. So, keep your eyes peeled for more updates for what promises to be a stormy Friday ahead!
