News Summary
As winter weather approaches, schools across the Carolinas are adjusting their schedules to ensure the safety of students and staff. Many institutions, including Horry County and Darlington County schools, are implementing early dismissals and closures. Horry-Georgetown Technical College has closed for the weekend, while various other districts are adjusting their activities due to forecasts of inclement weather and the impact of Hurricane Helene. The collaborative efforts across the region aim to keep the community safe during these turbulent weather conditions.
Winter Weather Warnings Cause School Closures Across the Carolinas
The Carolinas are bracing for some serious winter weather as schools and services make critical adjustments to their schedules. In light of these conditions, many educational institutions are prioritizing the safety of students and staff, resulting in early dismissals and closures across the region.
Horry County’s Plans for Safety
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is taking no chances and has announced it will close its doors at noon on Friday. The college will remain shut throughout the weekend, resuming regular operations on Monday morning. This decision reflects a growing trend among institutions in the area to respond proactively to forecasted inclement weather.
Darlington County’s Early Dismissals
In Darlington County, the School District has decided to dismiss all schools early on Friday, ensuring all after-school activities are canceled. Similarly, the local government offices will close their doors at 12:30 p.m., which includes the landfill and trash collection stations. Community procedures are adjusting to keep everyone safe as the weather takes a turn.
Florence Schools Adjusting to Conditions
Florence 1 Schools will stick to their regular dismissal schedule for Friday. However, after-school programs and activities are a no-go. Conversely, Florence School District 3 will experience early dismissals, with various elementary schools letting students go as early as 11 a.m., culminating with Lake City High School’s dismissal at noon.
Francis Marion University and Dillon School District Actions
Francis Marion University is also shifting its agenda, closing at 2:30 p.m. and halting all campus events for Friday evening and Saturday morning. They plan to welcome everyone back bright and early on Monday at 8:30 a.m.. The elementary schools in Dillon School District 4 will dismiss students at 12:15 p.m., followed by middle and high schools at 1 p.m.. They have also canceled after-school activities for everyone’s safety.
Marion County and Pee Dee Public Transit Updates
Marion County School District has opted for an early dismissal as well, with primary and elementary schools heading home at noon and middle and high schools at 1 p.m.. Just like the others, all after-school activities are canceled. Over in the transportation sector, Pee Dee Public Transit services are closing early on Friday, halting services across various counties at different times throughout the day.
Robeson County Schools’ Changes
The Public Schools of Robeson County will let out early at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, likewise canceling all afternoon activities and after-school care. In addition, Robeson Community College is going remote, closing its physical campus from 5 p.m. on Friday until 8 a.m. on Monday, ensuring that learning continues amidst the chaos.
Scotland County Schools’ Plan
Scotland County Schools are operating on an early release schedule, with each school’s dismissal times varying according to grade levels. Scotland County’s government offices will join the early-close trend at 2 p.m. but will reassess their operations come Saturday, without affecting emergency services.
Hurricane Helene’s Impact
The Myrtle Beach area isn’t just dealing with winter weather; it’s also facing the effects of Hurricane Helene, which is under a tropical storm warning. The storm is expected to bring gusty winds, heavy rain, potential flooding, and even isolated tornadoes to the region. Therefore, Horry County Schools will turn to an e-learning day on Friday. Students affected by power outages or lacking access to technology will have opportunities to catch up on assignments once normal conditions resume.
In Summary
As the weather forecasts roll in, schools across the Carolinas are making necessary adjustments to prioritize the safety of their students and staff. It’s a collaborative effort from different districts and community services to ensure everyone stays secure during this turbulent winter weather.
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HERE Resources
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Polar Vortex to Bring Freezing Temperatures to Texas Next Week
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: School Closures and Event Cancelations
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- WPDE: Horry County Schools E-Learning Days
- Google Search: Horry County Schools Closures
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather School Closures
- WBTW: Cancellations and Postponements
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- My Horry News: Hurricane Helene Updates
- Google News: Hurricane Helene
