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Aiken County Schools Adjust Schedules Ahead of Winter Storm

A beautiful winter scene in Aiken County as schools prepare for a winter storm.

News Summary

In preparation for a significant winter storm, Aiken County Public Schools will close two hours early on January 10, 2025. Students will enjoy breakfast and lunch before heading home, while transportation services will be modified. E-learning days are scheduled for some schools to ensure education continues. Local officials are mobilizing resources in anticipation of hazardous conditions. A statewide emergency was declared in Georgia, urging residents to limit travel and prepare for potential power outages.

Aiken County Schools Adjust Schedules Ahead of Winter Storm

As Aiken County prepares for what’s likely to be a challenging winter day, schools are taking a proactive approach to keep students safe. The weather forecast for January 10, 2025, is predicting a messy mix of rain and freezing rain, with temperatures barely hovering around a chilly 34°F. Weather experts are calling for a 100% chance of precipitation, which makes for a potentially slippery situation!

School Schedules Shift Due to Storm Warning

In light of the expected wintery mix, Aiken County Public Schools will close their doors two hours early on January 10. What does that mean for students? Well, everyone will still get to enjoy breakfast and lunch before heading home early. The district is also making arrangements for transportation services, signaling that students who typically have half-day schedules won’t be heading to school at all. Remember, by no later than 3 p.m., all schools and offices will be officially closed.

Those involved in afterschool activities will need to make alternate plans as well because all afterschool care through QuestZone has been canceled, along with any events slated for that day.

E-Learning Days and Assignments from Home

For students at Horse Creek Academy, it’s going to be an entirely different school day. They will be participating in a full e-learning day, meaning kiddos will stay cozy at home, away from the cold and slippery conditions outside. Students in elementary grades will find their assignments sent home and ready to tackle, while middle and high schoolers are encouraged to keep an eye on Google Classroom for their virtual tasks. It’s a tech-savvy way to keep education flowing, even when the weather can’t cooperate!

Edgefield County Schools are hopping on the e-learning train too, so don’t be surprised if you see some remote education pop up from there as well. If you were hoping to squeeze in some activities before the storm hits, bad news—events scheduled before noon on January 11 have been canceled, so let’s stay safe, everyone!

Aiken’s Community Prepares for the Storm

Meanwhile, St. Mary Help of Christians is also adjusting, with an early dismissal planned for 1:00 p.m. Their extended care program will wrap up at 4:30 p.m., so be sure to plan accordingly. In contrast, USC Aiken intends to stay open, although they’re reminding everyone to exercise caution if they must venture out. Aiken Technical College is also operating as usual for the day, but we encourage folks to take care as the weather unfolds.

Local officials are mobilizing in anticipation of the storm, ensuring that employees and resources are on standby. Aiken County is ready to tackle any challenges the winter weather may bring. Citizens should remain vigilant about the conditions outside and remember the risks that can come with icy roads.

State-Wide Precautions and Emergency Preparedness

On a broader scale, Georgia’s Governor has declared a statewide state of emergency in response to the impending winter storm. Local and state officials are working tirelessly to treat roads in preparation for hazardous situations. They’re also urging individuals to limit travel and stock up, just in case of power outages or dangerous conditions. If you find yourself in need of a warm place to stay, shelters will be open, and Augusta Transit has even offered free rides to daytime shelters.

As January 11 rolls in, predictions show potential for up to half an inch of precipitation before 7 a.m., further complicating the morning commute. So grab your coffee, stay warm, and keep an eye on those weather updates. Aiken County is in for a wild winter ride, and we’ve all got to work together to stay safe and sound!