Upstate, South Carolina Grapples with Severe Weather: An update on school closures
In wake of the havoc wreaked by Tropical Storm Helene, several schools and colleges in the Upstate area have made various announcements regarding class cancellations and adoption of e-learning methods. We have notable updates from institutions across the state.
The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind announced a closure till Friday, with no e-learning scheduled. Similarly, Limestone University also has canceled all classes through Friday and intends to resume operations on Monday.
Classes and activities paused, campuses still open
Anderson University has declared that classes and activities are halted until this week’s end, yet its campus doors remain open. The university has scheduled for regular classes to get back on track starting Monday. All Anderson County District schools have also arrived at a similar decision, canceling school till Friday.
At the other end, USC Upstate has decided to shut down completely, with classes being canceled. Essential workers excepted, all employees have been sent instructions to work from home until Monday.
While some weather the storm, others resume operations
Wofford College too has canceled all classes through Friday, with plans to reopen the following Monday. While most institutions have opted for complete closure, Clemson University’s main campus has chosen to brave the storm. Staff have been advised to return and conduct classes as best as they can.
Serving as a beacon in these difficult times, the Littlejohn Coliseum of Clemson University will remain open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering free food, beverages, charging stations, and even showers to the community.
Furman University, on the other hand, announced that although power has been restored to their campus, it will continue to stay closed and all classes are canceled until the week’s end. A part of the publication read, ‘Despite this being a significant step in the right direction, conditions in and around Greenville remain stark and a large part of the community continues to be without power.‘
Low e-learning activity and no assignments due
In its latest announcement, Spartanburg Community College has confirmed the closure of all its campuses till Friday. Students need not worry about logging into online classes, and no assignments will be due during this period.
Keeping in line with this string of cancellations, Greenville County Schools has also called off all activities, including sports events, till Sunday, with schools staying shut till Friday. Schools and offices will be inaccessible to the public during this time. E-learning is not on the cards and all field trips have sadly been canceled.
Though the decision to stay closed all week is primarily due to unstable power and uncertain travel routes, plans for the following week – including prospects of e-learning or traditional classroom learning – will hinge upon the restoration of power, internet accessibility, secured transport, and available food resources.
As for Spartanburg County schools, they too will mirror this approach, with closures planned through Friday and no e-learning requisites. Converse University, in a bid to think ahead, has prohibited all classes, co-curricular events, and athletic activities for the upcoming week.
Despite these difficult times, one sentiment remains consistent across these institutions – the resolve to weather these adversities and the drive to ensure student safety. While the storm of uncertainty continues to surge, hope still strikes a brighter tone against the taxed backdrop of Upstate, South Carolina.
