News Summary
As winter weather approaches the Lowcountry, schools and government offices in Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and surrounding counties are altering their schedules. With snowfall predictions of 1 to 3 inches, school districts are implementing early dismissals and transitioning to eLearning on Wednesday. Local officials emphasize the importance of staying off the roads for safety during this impending winter storm, which includes sleet and freezing rain. Government offices and local attractions are also set to close early or switch to online operations.
Lowcountry Schools and Government Offices Adjust Schedules for Winter Weather
The Lowcountry is bracing for some winter weather as schools and government offices across Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and other counties adjust their schedules. With forecasts predicting between 1 and 3 inches of snow, along with a mixture of sleet and freezing rain, local officials are urging everyone to take precautions and stay off the roads during this chilly spell.
Charleston County School District Leads the Charge
In Charleston County, the Charleston County School District announced a two-hour early dismissal on Tuesday. Unfortunately, this means that all Kaleidoscope, extracurricular activities, and after-school programs will be canceled. Looking ahead to Wednesday, students will switch to eLearning since district buildings will be closed. Parents and kids who need assistance with online learning tools can reach out to the district’s IT Help Desk at 843-308-8181.
Berkeley County Schools Get on Board
Berkeley County Schools are also joining the early dismissal trend, implementing a half-day schedule on Tuesday. The students will transition to eLearning on Wednesday, with assignments available via Schoology or SeeSaw. All after-school programs and athletic events are canceled on both Tuesday and Wednesday, ensuring everyone can focus on safety.
Dorchester County Takes Precautions
Dorchester County School District Two will release elementary students early at 11 a.m., middle school students at noon, and high school students at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. E-learning will be the name of the game on Wednesday. Moreover, the district’s office will close down at 2 p.m., so staff can head home safely. Meanwhile, Dorchester County School District Four is already set for eLearning days this Tuesday and Wednesday.
Beaufort and Other Districts Follow Suit
Meanwhile, Beaufort County Schools are planning a half-day dismissal as well, with elementary students released at 11:45 a.m. and those in middle and high school dismissed at 12:45 p.m. This district is also switching to eLearning on Wednesday—no extracurriculars on the schedule during this time. Colleton County Schools will release students early on Tuesday and will remain closed Wednesday, with a make-up day marked for March 7.
What’s Happening in Georgetown and Beyond?
In Georgetown County, students will have a half-day schedule on Tuesday, with elementary schools letting out at 11 a.m. and middle/high schools at 12:15 p.m. Just like other districts, all after-school activities are canceled. Orangeburg County Schools will follow a similar pattern, dismissing students early and keeping a close watch on the weather for any additional updates.
Preparing for E-Learning
Williamsburg County School District will keep things steady on Tuesday but will not hold school on Wednesday due to inclement weather. Learn4Life High School has also set up for eLearning on both days. Palmetto Christian Academy students can also expect a half-day on Tuesday with a shift to remote learning the next day.
Local Universities Make Changes Too
College life is also adapting to the weather! Charleston Southern University will move to online classes starting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, while the College of Charleston will maintain regular hours but close academic operations at 4 p.m. on the same day. Trident Technical College is taking things virtual from 3 p.m. Tuesday onward.
Government Operations Adjust as Well
The City of Charleston offices will close early at 3 p.m. on Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday. Similarly, North Charleston announced it will halt operations on both days, canceling recreational and cultural activities. Roper St. Francis Healthcare will keep emergency departments open but temporarily close Express Care locations on Tuesday evening.
Local Attractions Close Doors Early
It’s not just the schools and offices adjusting—spots like the South Carolina Aquarium plan to close early and stay shut on Wednesday, with the last entry on Tuesday being 1:30 p.m.!
With winter weather lurking around the corner, everyone is encouraged to stay safe, stay inside, and embrace a cozy home day. Let’s hope for sunny days ahead after this chilly spell!
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Closings and Cancellations for Charleston County Schools
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Count on 2: Schools Schedule Changes Due to Winter Weather
- Google Search: Winter Weather School Closures
- Charleston City Paper: Cold Weather and School Closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica:
Author: HERE Charleston