Lexington, SC 09/27/2022 – Lexington County School District One sent an email to parents Tuesday regarding their concerns over severe weather from Hurricane Ian which has begun to better the Gulf Coast of Florida. Several predicted paths from the National Hurricane Center show Ian hitting South Carolina late Friday or early Saturday with its effects felt throughout the weekend.
In their email, Chief Communications Officer Kathryn McPhail said the district wants all parents to know that they are closely monitoring Hurricane Ian. “We remain in contact with the National Weather Service and Lexington County Emergency Management regarding any potential impacts the hurricane could have on the Midlands later this week.”
A big issue with having school during an inclement weather event is the transportation of students by the busses. These are not designed to operate in high, sustained winds.
She continued by saying, “It is too early today (Sept. 27) to make a decision about the need to dismiss school early on Friday or possibly shift to e-learning on Friday – the day when the forecast calls for the greatest risk for high winds and severe weather. That decision will likely come Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.”
The district wants to give families enough time to prepare, but they also don’t want to make a premature decision because they know closing schools and/or shifting instructional models impacts families.
For now, they are encouraging all families to prepare a plan for what happens if school must dismiss early, close Friday and/or they have an e-learning day.
McPhail continued by saying, “This decision has not been made yet, but we want to give families a heads up so you can prepare just in case.”
As a reminder, e-learning allows the schools to continue instruction without forcing them to use a weather make-up day. Most schools held practice e-learning days earlier this school year to give students and teachers/staff the opportunity to practice how e-learning will work. This practice day should help District One deliver smooth, high-quality virtual instruction if needed temporarily at any point throughout the year.
