As the potential effects of Idalia loom, several school districts in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. Various schools have declared closures, early dismissals, and altered schedules in response to the impending weather conditions.
Aiken County Public Schools: Aiken County Public Schools will close two hours early on August 30 and will have a delayed two-hour start on August 31. Wednesday will see breakfast and lunch served before the early dismissal. However, there will be no breakfast service on Thursday. All after-school activities, including Quest Zone, are canceled. The Center for Innovative Learning students will have a remote learning day on Wednesday. Afternoon classes on Wednesday and morning classes on Thursday at Aiken County Career & Technology Center are canceled.
Bamberg County Schools: On August 30, Bamberg County schools will experience early dismissal, and August 31 will be designated as a remote learning day. Elementary schools will dismiss at 10:30 a.m., middle schools at 10:45 a.m., and high schools at 11 a.m. All after-school activities on Wednesday are canceled.
Barnwell County Consolidated School District: For August 30, Barnwell County schools will follow a half-day schedule for students and staff, engaging in eLearning for the rest of the day. All after-school activities are canceled.
Burke County: Burke County schools are canceling all after-school activities for August 30.
Emanuel County School System: On August 30, Emanuel County School System will be closed for all faculty, staff, and students, with all school-related activities canceled for the day. A Child’s World Daycare and Academy in Waynesboro is also closed on August 30.
Glascock County School System: Glascock County School System will be closed on August 30, including all after-school activities and athletic events.
Horse Creek Academy: Students, faculty, and staff at Horse Creek Academy will be participating in E-Learning on Wednesday.
Jefferson County Schools: Jefferson County Schools will be closed on August 30 for students and staff.
Jenkins County School System: August 30 will see the closure of Jenkins County School System. An update regarding Thursday will be sent out at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Johnson County Schools: Johnson County Schools will be closed on August 30 for students and staff.
Lena’s Lullaby Childcare: Lena’s Lullaby Childcare in Waynesboro is closed on August 30.
McDuffie County Schools: All after-school activities and practices are canceled for Wednesday at McDuffie County schools, while the school day itself will proceed as usual.
McCormick County Schools: All schools in McCormick County will have an early dismissal at noon on Wednesday. Updates regarding the following day will be communicated through the school’s app.
Oconee Fall Line Technical College: The college will be closed on Wednesday across all campuses.
Richmond County School System: Richmond County School System will limit outdoor activities on Wednesday and cancel all after-school activities, including athletics, for the day.
Screven County Schools: Screven County schools will be closed on August 30, with a decision about the rest of the week to be made by 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
Warren County Schools: Warren County Schools will be closed on August 30 for students and staff.
Washington County School District: For August 30, Washington County School District will shift to an at-home learning model, canceling all in-person school-related activities. The district will evaluate the situation to determine if virtual learning will continue for August 31.
As Idalia approaches, these school districts are putting safety first and adapting their schedules to protect their students and staff.